Flocculation of oxides using polyethylene oxide

• Published in: Powder technology Vol. 62; no. 3; pp. 253 - 259
• Main Authors: Koksal, E., Ramachandran, R., Somasundaran, P., Maltesh, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 1990; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Liquid-liquid and fluid-solid mechanical separations; Ethylene oxide polymer; Hematite; Flocculation reagent; Flocculation; Oxides; Silica gel; Experimental study; Quartz; Alumina
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/0032-5910(90)80112-C

Flocculation of oxides using polyethylene oxide was investigated. Polyethylene oxide adsorbed strongly on and flocculated sodium kaolinite. H-bonding is considered to be the driving force for polyethylene oxide adsorption on kaolinite. The mechanism of adsorption of polyethylene oxide on kaolinite was examined by studying the adsorption/flocculation characteristics of different oxide minerals using the same polymer. Polyethylene oxide flocculated silica gel but did not adsorb on or flocculate hematite and alumina. Quartz was flocculated only below pH 3. Results are examined in terms of the type of surface groups and the degree of hydration of the solids. It is proposed that adsorption of polyethylene oxide on solids requires some optimum hydroxylation of the surface with displaceable water species.