Study of the surface ionization of kaolinite in water by zetametry—Influence on the rheological properties of kaolinite suspension

Abstract The properties of kaolinite suspensions are complicated and vary with pH. The positive charges on the edge surface of kaolinite crystals can change both the structure and the interaction between the particles. Using zetametry, three ionization stages on the surface of kaolinite as a function of pH were shown. The effect of tripolyphosphate (T.P.P. anions) adsorption confirmed these results, and the present surface ionization analysis was perfectly established by rheological measurements. It was also shown that three [AlOH 2 + ] surface groups are neutralized by one T.P.P. anion.