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Theoretical and experimental investigations of the flocculation of charged particles in aqueous solutions by polyelectrolytes of opposite charge

Citation

Kasper, Dennis Robert (1971) Theoretical and experimental investigations of the flocculation of charged particles in aqueous solutions by polyelectrolytes of opposite charge. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/K31R-A990. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04232014-095415213

Abstract

An electrostatic mechanism for the flocculation of charged particles by polyelectrolytes of opposite charge is proposed. The difference between this and previous electrostatic coagulation mechanisms is the formation of charged polyion patches on the oppositely charged surfaces. The size of a patch is primarily a function of polymer molecular weight and the total patch area is a function of the amount of polymer adsorbed. The theoretical predictions of the model agree with the experimental dependence of the polymer dose required for flocculation on polymer molecular weight and solution ionic strength.

A theoretical analysis based on the Derjaguin-Landau, Verwey- Overbeek electrical double layer theory and statistical mechanical treatments of adsorbed polymer configurations indicates that flocculation of charged particles in aqueous solutions by polyelectrolytes of opposite charge does not occur by the commonly accepted polymerbridge mechanism.

A series of 1, 2-dimethyl-5 -vinylpyridinium bromide polymers with a molecular weight range of 6x10^3 to 5x10^6 was synthesized and used to flocculate dilute polystyrene latex and silica suspensions in solutions of various ionic strengths. It was found that with high molecular weight polymers and/or high ionic strengths the polymer dose required for flocculation is independent of molecular weight. With low molecular weights and/or low ionic strengths, the flocculation dose decreases with increasing molecular weight.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Environmental Engineering, flocculation, particles in aqueous, polyelectrolytes
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Environmental Science and Engineering
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Morgan, James J. (advisor)
  • McKee, Jack E. (co-advisor)
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:18 May 1971
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:04232014-095415213
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04232014-095415213
DOI:10.7907/K31R-A990
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:8200
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Dan Anguka
Deposited On:23 Apr 2014 17:37
Last Modified:09 Nov 2022 19:20

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