Correlation between dispersion stability of concentrated ceramic suspension and capillary suction time

Abstract

Dispersion stability of highly concentrated ceramic suspensions using different dispersants required for colloidal processing can be assessed by measuring capillary suction time (CST). A systematic evaluation of dispersibility characteristics of colloidal alumina suspension is reported in the presence of three commonly used dispersants, namely, Dispex N 100, Darvan C, and Aluminon by employing the CST technique. The correlation between dispersibility of ceramic suspension and capillary suction time has been established. It has been found that higher the CST value of a suspension, the greater is the stability of the suspension and viceversa. In this investigation, this technique is employed both to choose suitable dispersant and to characterize the suspension. It has been concluded that higher the dispersion ratio (DR) of a suspension above unity the better is the stability and the lower the DR value below unity, the better is the aggregation tendency of the suspension. Quantitative estimation of dispersibility of an aqueous suspension is reported in terms of dispersion ratio. The CST technique has been found to be very useful and suitable for obtaining information for assessing stability of ceramic suspensions and characterizing concentrated ceramic slurry.