Method for the characterization of electrophoretic properties of clay slips

The present study presents experiments performed in an aqueous dispersion of clays and clay minerals using three different instruments, which were prepared to measure electric conductance, relative viscosity, and electrophoretic mobility of slip in flow. Smectite–kaolinite and Cloisite Na+ were used, in addition to an aqueous solution of sodium silicate in deionized water. Laboratory tests of zeta potential and viscosity were also carried out. The starting point was the natural behavior of the electric current when sodium silicate was added to the aqueous dispersion of clay or clay minerals. The results were analyzed and correlated considering the electrophoretic phenomenon. The method proved to be effective for understanding electrophoretic properties acting on the dispersion slips. •We measured conductance, viscosity, and electrophoretic mobility of clay slips.•We associated them with clay properties (specific surface area, particle size).•Viscosity and electric tests indicated the best point of suspension dispersion.