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Abstract

The present application provides a micellar composition having switchable viscosity. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a micellar composition comprising: (a) a mixture of water and a switchable component comprising: (i) a non-switchable surfactant and a switchable water additive; (ii) a switchable anionic surfactant; or (iii) a switchable cationic surfactant; and (b) dissolved CO₂, wherein when the switchable component comprises a non-switchable surfactant and a switchable water additive or a switchable cationic surfactant, the dissolved CO₂ is present at an amount sufficient to reversibly maintain at least a substantial portion of the switchable component in the form of wormlike micelles in the water and removal of the dissolved CO₂ reversibly decreases viscosity of the mixture by disrupting the wormlike micelles and/or converting the wormlike micelles into spherical micelles, and wherein when the switchable component comprises a switchable anionic surfactant the dissolved CO₂ is present at an amount sufficient to reversibly inhibit formation of wormlike micelles and removal of the dissolved CO₂ reversibly increases viscosity of the mixture by causing the formation of wormlike micelles.

First Claim