Adsorption of surfactants on superfine magnetite

Superfine magnetite particles were obtained by chemical condensation. Their size can be varied by the magnetic field application and a change in the crystallization temperature. The X-ray diffraction and adsorption data suggested an increase in the crystallite size and a decrease in the value of limiting adsorption and specific area of magnetite with an increase in the temperature and magnetic field intensity. The nature of surfactants and solvents has a substantial effect on the adsorption process. The IR spectroscopic and equilibrium adsorption data showed that oleic acid has the highest affinity to the surface among the surfactants studied (stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids and sodium oleate). On going from carbon tetrachloride to hexane, the value of limiting adsorption of oleic acid decreases.