Surface chemical studies on alumina suspensions using ammonium poly(methacrylate)

The interaction of α-alumina with ammonium poly(methacrylate) (APMA) has been investigated through adsorption and electrokinetic measurements. The adsorption isotherms exhibit high affinity, Langmuirian behaviour at highly acidic pH and the adsorption density is found to decrease with increasing pH. On the contrary, the percentage desorption increases with increasing pH. Electrokinetic studies indicate specific adsorption between alumina and APMA resulting in a shift of the isoelectric point to acidic pH values. Electrophoretic mobility values indicate that the alumina suspension could be well dispersed in the pH range 5–11, consequent to polymer adsorption. These results were corroborated by the dispersion tests. Dissolution tests reveal the release of aluminium species from alumina while co-precipitation experiments confirm the chemical interaction of aluminium species with APMA in the bulk solution. Hydrogen bonding, electrostatic and chemical interactive forces are postulated to govern the adsorption process. FTIR spectroscopic data lend further support to the interaction mechanisms proposed.