EFFECTS OF SURFACE PROPERTIES ON AGGLOMERATES FORMATION - STUDIES ON AGGLOMERATION IN WATER (1ST REPORT).

Interfacial properties of particles-water-oil system and their effects on agglomerates formation have been studied using BaSO//4, sodium oleate (NaOl) and kerosene as model particles, surface active reagent and bridging liquid, respectively. Prior to the experiments on agglomeration, adsorption isotherm for BaSO//4/NaOl system, interfacial tension of kerosene in NaOl aqueous solution, contact angles of BaSO//4-kerosene-NaOl aqueous solution system, and zeta potential of BaSO//4 and kerosene in NaOl aqueous solution were measured under the various conditions. The variations of contact angles with NaOl concentration and pH were explained in terms of the adsorption amount of oleate on BaSO//4, the interfacial tension and the potential barrier. In addition to agglomeration experiments, phase inversion tests were also carried out. Phase inversion method was effective for determining the best suitable reagent and its dosage for agglomeration.