  Phase separation of saturated micellar network, as a result of cross-linking
of branched micelles is established in mixed solutions of the anionic
surfactant sodium laurylethersulfate (SLES) and the zwitterionic cocamidopropyl
betaine (CAPB) in the presence of divalent counterions: Ca2+, Zn2+ and Mg2+.
The saturated network appears in the form of droplets, which are heavier than
water and sediment at the bottom of the vessel. In the case of Mg2+, the
sedimented drops coalesce and form a separate multiconnected micellar phase - a
supergiant surfactant micelle. For this phase, the rheological flow curves show
Newtonian and shear-thinning regions. The appearance/disappearance of the
Newtonian region marks the onset of formation of saturated network. The
addition of small organic molecules (fragrances) to the multiconnected micellar
phase leads to an almost spontaneous formation of oil-in-water nanoemulsion.
The nanoemulsification capacity of the multiconnected micellar phase decreases
with the rise of the volume of the oil molecule. A possible role of the network
junctions in the nanoemulsification process can be anticipated. The properties
of the multiconnected micellar phases could find applications in extraction and
separation processes, in drug/active delivery, and for nanoemulsification at
minimal energy input.
