The effect of polyelectrolytes, differing in the ratio, sign of the charge of functional groups, on the stability of clay hydrodispersions

Abstract

The effect of polyelectrolytes that differ in the ratio, type and sign of the charge of functional groups
located along the macromolecule chain on the change in the stability of clay hydrodispersion was studied.
According to the results of studies, it was found that the samples of the polyelectrolyte differ in specific
viscosity, electrical conductivity, flocculating activity and flocculating effect depending on the molar ratio,
ionizing ability and charge sign of the functional groups in the macromolecule.
As the density of active ionized functional groups with the same positive charge and in the presence of
conveniently located areas that promote good interaction and the formation of bonds with negatively charged
fine particles of the dispersed phase increase, the flocculating ability of the samples of the polyelectrolyte
increases, the degree of clarification of clay hydrodispersion improves, and the process of separation of the solid
phase from liquid medium.
In addition, it was found that the presence of oppositely charged ionized functional groups along the
polyelectrolyte macromolecule chain, on the contrary, leads to an increase in the required amount of flocculant
to achieve an equal degree of clarification, sediment volume, and filtration rate of clay hydrodispersions due to
weakening flocculation properties.