Viscoelasticity in aqueous soap solutions. Part 3

Abstract

Measurements, using a Weissenberg Rheogoniometer, have been made of viscosity and elasticity moduli of some viscoelastic gels, formed by addition of electrolytes to ammonium and potassium oleate solutions. Maximum viscosity develops at a particular concentration of electrolyte. The results are consistent with two alternate hypotheses; either that the gels consist of intimate emulsions of G + S₁+ S₂ phases, or that they have a network structure. In the latter case, when the soap concentration is between 1 and 2 %(w/v) the basic units appear to be cylindrical secondary micelles, each of which contains approximately 10⁴ molecules of soap.