Factors Affecting the Electrical Properties of Bentonite Slurry

Factors affecting the electrical properties of bentonite slurry were identified and electric conduction mechanism in slurry was examined. Electrical conductivity of bentonite and soil-bentonite slurry linearly increases with the bentonite content. Test result indicated that the change In electrical conductivity of slurry was mainly caused by dissolved cations from bentonite particles. The relationship between electrical conductivity and bentonite content was affected by the initial electrical conductivity of slurry solution and fine content in soil-bentonite mixture. Such influences were evaluated and the calibrated relationships were suggested. Based on the suggested relationship between electrical conductivity and bentonite content, bentonite content in various bentonite and soil-bentonite slurry can be quantitatively evaluated by using electrical conductivity measurement method.