Abstract
This paper discusses the rheology of complex interfaces comprised of amphiphilic materials that are susceptible to flow-induced orientation and deformation. The consequence of the coupling of the film micro-structure to flow leads to nonlinear rheology and surface fluid dynamics. Experimental methods designed to determine the mechanical rheological material functions of fluid-fluid interfaces as well as local, molecular and morphological responses are presented. These include a newly developed interfacial stress rheometer, flow ultraviolet dichroism, and Brewster-angle microscopy. These techniques are applied to a number of complex interfaces ranging from low molecular weight amphiphiles to polymer monolayers. Nonlinear flow phenomena ranging from two-dimensional nematic responses to highly elastic surface flows that manifest surface normal stress differences and elongational viscosities are described.