Block copolymer assembly to control fluid rheology

Recent experimental studies on the rheology of block copolymer micelles are reviewed. Where appropriate, we draw analogies between the viscoelastic properties of polymeric micelles and those of colloidal dispersions. We also present some important differences between these two classes of complex fluids, namely the ability to tune self-assembly through solvent–polymer interactions. Finally, new experimental results for attractive micellar solutions of polyelectrolytes are presented.