Abstract:

Wormlike micelles （WLMs） feature dynamic rheological behaviors that connect their microstructural dynamics to macroscale performance, underpinning diverse industrial applications. In this review, WLM dynamic rheology was introduced, and the rules in linear and nonlinear dynamic rheological behaviors were elucidated. Unlike steady-state rheology, dynamic rheology is characterized by viscoelastic responses, relaxation kinetics, and structural changes in alternating flow fields, targeting quantitative relationships between rheological parameters, microstructures, and flow conditions. Linear dynamic rheology has been measured by the test of small amplitude oscillatory shear （SAOS）, whose viscoelastic responses mostly conform to Maxwell model. The key parameters and mesoscopic structural data are extracted by broadband techniques. Nonlinear behaviors （the Wisenberg number Wi > 1） include shear banding, strain hardening, and elastic instabilities, which are characterized by large amplitude oscillatory shear （LAOS） with TDM and SPPM. The understanding of dynamic rheology is valuable to guide the applications of WLMs in oil and gas industry （tunable fracturing fluids）, personal care （biodegradable thickeners）, biomedicine （stimuli-responsive drug delivery）, and smart materials. Core challenges involve model-dependent mesoscopic parameter extraction and lack of universal nonlinear models. Future research should prioritize multi-scale coupling, in-situ characterization, theoretical innovation, and industry-adapted designs to advance WLM commercialization.

Key words: wormlike micelle, dynamic rheology, break-reform, linear rheology, nonlinear rheology