RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF ALUMINA-POLYACRYLATE GEL DISPERSIONS

Rheological properties of aqueous alumina-polyacrylate gel dispersions have been investigated with a controlled stress rheometer as functions of both cross-linked polyacrylate and alumina concentrations at pH 13. These studies were conducted to understand the role of alumina-polyacrylate interactions in building the theology of complex liquids that contain surfactants, sodium hypochlorite, alkali, and inorganic salts. Viscosity and viscoelasticity of polyacrylate gel dispersions can be enhanced by the addition of colloidal alumina. The trends in viscosity and viscoelasticity are explained on the basis of changes in the conformation of polyacrylate and repulsive interactions of negatively charged polyacrylate and alumina particles.