The role of natural organic matter in suspension stability. 2. Modelling of particle-particle interaction

Abstract

The role of natural organic matter (NOM) in changing the interaction between particles and subsequently the flow properties of concentrated particulate slurries has been modelled using electrokinetic and shear yield stress measurement data. Natural organic matter from soil, coal and peat sources as well as full and fractionated samples from aquatic sources has been examined. The data shows that the majority of the humic and fulvic rich samples adsorb in a flat configuration on a model alumina surface where the interaction is driven by a combination of electrostatics and chemical contributions to the adsorption free energy. Using a DLVO based model that assumes that the rheology response of a..