Effects of polyethyleneimine adsorption on rheology of bentonite suspensions

The influence of the cationic polymer, polyethyleneimine polymer (PEI) on the flow behaviour of bentonite suspensions (2%, w/w), was studied. XRD, zeta potential and adsorption studies were done together with rheological measurements. The addition of PEI at concentration ranges of 10 -5 -4·5 g/l and their rheological properties and stability of bentonite suspensions were studied. The adsorption rates for the bento- nite suspensions are very fast. The XRD results showed that the PEG molecules did not intercala te into the layers of the clay.