Examining of reologycal properties of clay-water colloidal suspensions in the presence of organic and inorganic dispersants

In this study, zeta potential and viscosity measurements of kaolinite suspension were carriedout in the presence of inorganic (Sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium silicate) andpolyacrylamide based organic (Reotan-L) dispersants. The zeta potential and viscosity curvesof kaolinite suspension have been obtained depending on dispersant concentration at differentsuspension pHs. After the experimental measurements the effects of dispersant type,concentration and suspension pH on the zeta potential and viscosity of kaolinite suspensionwere determined. Afterwards, the relationship between the zeta potential and viscosity data ofkaolinite suspension has been examined. Some of the obtained results are as follows; i) theorder of effectiveness of the dispersants used on decrease of the suspension?s viscosity isReotan-L > STPP > Sodyum silicate; ii) when the dispersants are used as dual, Reotan-L+STPP combination is more effective than Reotan-L+Sodyum silicate combination; iii)using dual dispersant combination gives better results (low viscosity) with regard to using ofsingle dispersant; iv) suspension pH plays a determining role on both zeta potential ofkaolinite and accordingly viscosity of kaolinite suspension; v) zeta potential of kaoliniteparticles in suspension affects the viscosity of kaolinite suspension, and also it can beexpressed that there is a near relationship between the zeta potential and viscosity.2006, 95 pagesKey Words: Kaolinite, Viscosity, Zeta Potential, Dispersantii