Re-dispersion of metal carbonate powders in dispersive media of various chemical nature

The influence of dispersive medium on the aggregation–disaggregation processes during the preparation of the suspensions of basic nickel and copper carbonates and manganese and cobalt carbonates was investigated. Distilled water, isopropyl and isobutyl alcohol, 1,4-dioxane served as dispersive media. Obtained results are discussed within the framework of the model of the powder re-dispersion in liquid media. The factors that affect the powder re-dispersion and the aggregative stability of the investigated suspensions are analyzed. It was shown that two consecutive processes affect the re-dispersion degree of the powders: spreading of the liquid on the particle surface by permeating into open polydisperse pores, and permeation of the liquid into closed pores. The contribution of each of the process depends on the powder dispersity and on the surface tension at the liquid–air interface.