Chemical and physical control of the theology of concentrated metal oxide suspensions

Experimental and theoretical work defining the effect of the surface chemistry and particle physics on the theology-of metal oxide suspensions is reviewed. The influence of variables, including solids concentration, particle size and size distributions are examined at various inter-particle interaction conditions controlled by pH, electrolyte concentration, and/or addition of various additives for both flocculated and well-dispersed suspensions. The theological properties examined include shear viscosity, shear and compressive yield stress, shear thinning and shear thickening. Data from various studies on metal oxide suspension systems at well-defined surface chemistry conditions are interpreted through analyses, primarily of pair interactions and suspension microstructure. Better insight has been gained concerning the governing rules of the surface chemistry and various physical factors on the theological properties of metal oxide suspensions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.