Self-diffusion in networks ofCPClO3wormlike micelles

We have studied self-diffusion in networks of cetylpyryidinium chlorate (${\mathrm{CPClO}}_3$) wormlike micelles by fluorescence recovery after fringe-pattern photobleaching techniques. Three different regimes are observed as we increase the surfactant. First, at low surfactant concentrations, the micelles are not entangled and the diffusion is fast. However, above the entanglement concentration, the diffusion coefficient decreases to a minimum value. Further increases in surfactant concentration beyond this minimum reveal a third stage in which the diffusion coefficient begins to increase. In addition to comparing our data to existing theories, we also develop a model that incorporates the special details related to our experimental technique. The analysis suggests that the micelles are partially interconnected, which is in agreement with the rheological behavior in these solutions.