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Spark-induced agglomeration of aqueous polymeric suspensions
1Institute of Paper Science and Technology, School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0620, USA. sujit.banerjee@ipst.gatech.edu
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|July 1, 2005
Summary
Underwater sparking agglomerates colloidal acrylate polymers by creating shock waves. Increased sparks and calcium content enhance this effect, improving particle size for industrial applications like paper recycling.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Acoustics
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Colloidal acrylate polymers in water exhibit unique behaviors under acoustic stress.
- Dissolved ions, such as calcium, can influence particle interactions and stability.
- Acoustic fields generated by underwater sparks have potential industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the agglomeration of colloidal acrylate polymers induced by underwater sparks.
- To determine the influence of spark frequency and calcium concentration on polymer agglomeration.
- To assess the practical application of this phenomenon in industrial settings, specifically paper recycling.
Main Methods:
- Generating high-energy sparks underwater in polymer suspensions.
- Varying the number of sparks and the concentration of dissolved calcium.
- Analyzing particle size changes and agglomeration using acoustic field measurements.
- Conducting full-scale trials in paper recycling mill centrifugal cleaners.
Main Results:
- Underwater sparks generate shock waves and acoustic fields that cause polymer agglomeration.
- Agglomeration degree correlates positively with spark frequency and calcium content.
- Calcium ions reduce the surface charge of colloidal particles, promoting acoustic agglomeration.
- Full-scale trials demonstrated improved centrifugal cleaner efficiency due to increased particle size.
Conclusions:
- Underwater sparking is an effective method for inducing agglomeration in colloidal acrylate polymers.
- Calcium ions play a crucial role in facilitating acoustic agglomeration by modifying particle surface charge.
- This technique offers a viable method for enhancing particle size in industrial processes, such as improving contaminant removal in paper recycling.