Effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone and sodium lauroyl isethionate on kaolinite suspension in an aqueous phase.

Suspension of concentrated kaolinite (20 g/30 ml-medium) in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium lauroyl isethionate (SLI) was allowed to evaluate its degree of dispersion based on their rheological studies. Flow curves at low shear rate, measured by means of cone-plate method, showed a non-Newtonian flow. Plastic viscosity and Bingham yield value were derived from the flow curves. Relative viscosity, effective volume fraction and void fraction of secondary particle were also obtained. Results of dispersity and fluidity of the suspension were explained. PVP acted as a flocculant at a concentration lower than 0.1% but as a dispersant at a higher concentration. The presence of SLI could decrease both the Bingham yield value and suspension viscosity. Cooperative and competitive effects of PVP and SLI were found. Results indicated that SLI enhanced the degree of dispersion of kaolinite when PVP was less than 0.1%. The suspension, however, showed a maximum flocculation (i.e., aggregation) at 4 mM SLI when the concentration of PVP was higher than 0.1%.