<i>Short communication</i> Stability and phase separation behaviour of systems of particles in a medium with added polymer

Abstract

The stability of barium carbonate (BaCO3) suspensions in the presence of the dispersants, xanthan gum, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and carrageenan, has been studied using a phase separation technique. These materials have been found to stabilise the BaCO3 suspensions by increasing the viscosity of the medium. Of the three polymer dispersants, xanthan gum is the most effective in stabilising and destabilising the suspensions. The experimental results are compared to the phase separation and stability of non-aqueous latex suspensions in the presence of non-adsorbing (free) polymers. The systems consist of poly (hydroxystearic) acid (PHS) coated poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) particles in dodecane and well-characterized cis-poly(isoprene) (PIP) and poly(isobutylene) as the non-adsorbing added polymers.

Water SA Vol 32(1)pp:111-114