Surface Chemistry and Rheology of Electrostatically (Ionically) Stabilized Alumina Suspensions in Polar Organic Media

Alumina particles were dispersed in ethanol (EtOH) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The surface chemistry and interparticle forces were manipulated by controlling the ionic strength of the suspensions without dispersants. The effects of the chemical nature of the solvents and the concentration of dispersed particles on the suspension rheology were evaluated. It was observed that the viscosity of suspensions decreased with increasing salt concentration. Solvent type also had a marked influence on the suspension rheology. Interparticle interactions were calculated and used to describe the rheological behavior.