The Detection of Structural Transformations in Kaolin Suspensions by Ultrasound

Thefractal dimension of kaolin flocs suspended in water was increased by the addition of potassium chloride and indirectly monitored by low-power ultrasonic pulses in a test cell with a "pitch-catch" configuration. The results from these measurements were compared with fractal dimensions obtained from quasi-elastic light-scattering measurements in a kaolin suspension of a much lower solid volume fraction. Further comparison with a coupled phase theory of ultrasound propagation, utilizing measured slope viscosity and particle size distribution, revealed that the observed changes in the ultrasound signature were commensurate with changes in the fractal dimension observed by light scattering over a potassium chloride concentration range of approximately 0-1 mM. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.