Flocculation Studies of Granulated Stearyl Alcohol on the Surface of Aqueous Media. III. : Changes of Agglomerate Structure in a Two-Dimensional System with Anionic Surface-Acitive Agent

Abstract

Granulated stearyl alcohol was dispersed on the surface of aqueous media in the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS : 0-0.50 [g/100 ml]). The changes of the shape factors, the average contact numbers and the porosities during flocculation were examined. The particles on the surface of the water without SLS formed more dendric and more porous agglomerates than those on the surface of solutions with SLS (0.25-0.50 [g/100 ml]). The particles on the former surface showed strong hydrophobic bonding (particle/particle bonding) and a higher coefficient of internal friction, measured in the shearing test. So, they were relatively rigid after the initial flocculation. On the other hand, the agglomerate particles adsorbed with SLS on the latter surface showed weak bonding between particles and a lower friction coefficient. So, their agglomerate structure changed with time, forming rounder and more compact agglomerates.