Fluorescence Measurements on Viscoelastic Solutions of CTAB and Sodium Salicylate

The fluorescence intensity and life time of the sodium salicylate are measured to obtain information on the characteristics of the micellar surface of Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB). It is concluded that the probe adsorbs on the surface and is still in contact with the water consistent with the NMR results. The local surface potential is found to be +25 mV and this low value is argued to be one of the contributing factors for the formation of micellar chains leading to viscoelasticity.