Abstract
The flocculation of colloidal suspensions using synthetic polymeric flocculants is an important operation
in separation processes. Optimizing flocculant use requires insight into the underlying mechanisms
governing flocculation. As most existing methods for the online characterization of flocculation processes
can only be used on dilute suspensions, new methods applicable at high solid content levels are
of interest. This study used dielectric spectroscopy to investigate the mechanisms involved in the
flocculation of polystyrene particles with three different cationic polymers. We observed that the
relaxation time of the dielectric dispersion increased as particle flocculation was initiated. Reduction of
particle charge due to polymer addition was found to reduce the magnitude of the dielectric dispersion,
whereas the formation of aggregates increased it. This resulted in decreasing magnitude when charge
reduction was the primary cause of flocculation, whereas the magnitude increased when the particles
were flocculated by bridging.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Colloid and Interface Science |
Volume | 331 |
Issue number | 1 |
Pages (from-to) | 113-121 |
ISSN | 0021-9797 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- Dielectric relaxation
- Dielectric dispersion
- Flocculation mechanism
- Polymer adsorption
- Polyelectrolyte
- Floc structure
- Online measurement
- Polystyrene particles