Responsive wormlike micelles from oleoyl sarcosine triggered by pH and temperature

Abstract

The anionic wormlike micelles prepared from the amino acid surfactant has multiple pH and temperature responses. By adjusting the pH value of oleoyl sarcosine (OS) aqueous solution, the solution can reversibly transform from a low-viscosity emulsion to a viscoelastic fluid. The rheological test results show that the viscosity of OS (100 mM) changes reversibly from 3 to 104 mPa·s when pH varies from 9.0 to 12.4. The fixed pH ranges from 9.0 to 12.4. As the temperature increases and decreases, the OS aqueous solution circulates between the fluid and solid gel states, and the gel temperature increases with the increase in pH. The aim of this study is to develop a simple, green shortcut for the preparation of stimulus-responsive wormlike micelles.