Viscoelastic behavior of crude oil-Alcoflood polymer emulsions in terms of creep and recovery is extensively investigated using RheoStress RS100. Three different types of Alcoflood polymers in the concentration range of 100-10(4) ppm are covered. North sea crude oil with a concentration range of 10-75% by volume is employed for emulsion preparation. All viscoelastic tests of crude oil-polymer emulsions are carried out under 0.1 Pa of shear stress to make sure that the investigated behavior lies within the linear viscoelastic range. The viscoelastic behavior of crude oil-polymer emulsion is strongly influenced by crude oil concentration, Alcoflood concentration, and Alcoflood type. The viscoelastic behavior of crude oil-Alcoflood polymer emulsions can be simulated using the Maxwell model or the Burger model depending upon the polymer concentration. The Maxwell model can be used over the polymer concentration range of 0-5000 ppm, whereas the Burger model covers the higher polymer concentration range. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.