EFFECT OF POLYMERIC STERIC STABILIZERS ON THE SETTLING OF ALUMINA

The effect of polymeric steric stabilizers on the dispersion stability of alumina was determined by settling experiments. The theoretical settling density was determined for alumina in a 90:10 wt% toluene-ethanol mixed solvent. Polymers evaluated were sulfonated polystyrenes, Shell's functionalized Kraton block polymers (styrene-hydrogenated diene), ICI's polymeric surfactants, homopolystyrene, a nonfunctionalized Kraton block polymer, and two Union Carbide Corporation silwet surfactants. The high-molecular-weight sulfonated polystyrene (60,000) containing a low level of sulfonation, functionalized Kraton block polymers, and one ICI polymeric surfactant were effective in improving the dispersion stability of the alumina. The percent of theoretical settling density for the ''good'' polymeric steric stabilizers ranged from 45 to 50%. The low-molecular-weight sulfonated polystyrene (10,000 MW), homopolystyrene, unfunctionalized Kraton block polymer, one ICI polymeric surfactant, and the silwet surfactants were ineffective in improving the dispersion stability of the alumina in the mixed solvent. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.