Effect of temperature on the stability of aqueous ZrO2 suspensions

The dispersion and stability of aqueous ZrO2 suspensions was investigated as a function of temperature by rheological measurement. Results showed that the elevated temperature could result in an increase in viscosity for electrostatically or electrosterically stabilized colloidal systems. In the presence of polymer, insufficient polymer addition made the transition from stable to unstable state became more easily realized with increasing temperature, and the amount of dispersant required obtaining the minimum viscosity increased. The optimum polyelectrolyte dosage at various temperatures was outlined in a stability map. In addition, it was found that two suspensions with identical polymer concentration, solids loading and solution conditions, but prepared by different routes, differed significantly in the temperature sensitive rheological behavior.