Investigation of the role of interfacial chemistry on particle interactions, sedimentation and electroosmotic dewatering of model kaolinite dispersions

The influence of pulp chemistry on particle interactions and dewatering behaviour of colloidal kaolinite dispersions has been investigated under coagulation conditions. The dispersion shear yield stress, settling rate and consolidation showed strong dependence upon pH and ionic strength, indicating a maximum at ∼pH 3.2 which was established as the isoelectric point (iep) by particle zeta potential analysis. A “gel point” solid concentration at which the dispersion began to be significantly networked and gravity-driven consolidation of the pulp was completely suppressed, occurred at 13 vol.% (∼28 wt.%). The dewatering rates due to coagulation were significantly lower than those commonly achieved by polymeric flocculation, however the sediment consolidation was ∼25% higher when compared with flocculated pulps. Electroosmosis was found to be effective in consolidating pre-sedimented pulps to spadeable pastes (∼30 vol.%) at pH values away from the iep where zeta potential was higher and ionic strength low (10− 3 M). This pulp consistency or markedly improved consolidation behavior is not achievable under coagulation and/or flocculation conditions.