Flocculation of model latex particles by chitosans of varying degrees of acetylation

A series of chitosan samples spanning a wide range of molecular weights have been homogeneously acetylated to varying degrees and characterized. These have been used to flocculate a well-characterized "model colloid" polymer latex. The optimum flocculation concentrations have been identified using both residual turbidity and initial-rate methods. A charge neutralization mechanism with an enhancement of rate by a "charge patch" effect is shown to operate while both degree of acetylation and molecular weight dan have an effect upon the optimum flocculation concentration.