Particle-particle interactions in concentrated dispersions as probed by the capillary force balance with application to batch sedimentation

A novel capillary force balance technique in conjunction with differential interferometry was used to measure quantitatively the dynamic stability of micro- and macrostructures due to the interaction between coarse and fine particles in concentrated dispersions. Using this technique, the values of threshold capillary pressures or yield stress for both fine and coarse particles are reported for the first time. The measured values of the threshold capillary pressures were then used to predict the batch sedimentation rates of particles in a concentrated suspension.