Abstract
Three ball clays (SP from England, TSMA from France and UK from the Ukraine) were characterized for their dry and wet colloidal properties. On the basis of X-ray diffraction and chemical analyses the clays were classified as kaolinite-rich clay, smectitic kaolinite-rich clay and illitic kaolinite-rich clay. The ζ (zeta) potential at the clay-water interface as a function of pH, in three different electrolytes, was investigated using an electroacoustic technique. Starting from measurements of dynamic mobility, the calculated ζ potential was found to be almost constant as a function of pH for the TSMA and UK clays, while it increased from −20 to −60 for the SP clay, when potassium nitrate was used as an electrolyte. The behavior of the three clays in calcium and magnesium nitrate was slightly different: SP showed a smaller increase in ζ potential, while a small deviation from the constant behavior of the UK clay was found. The results are explained in terms of the surrounding-ion atmosphere in light of the chemical-physical properties measured. Our results may well be of use to those involved in ceramic processing.
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Galassi, C., Costa, A.L. & Pozzi, P. Influence of Ionic Environment and pH on the Electrokinetic Properties of Ball Clays. Clays Clay Miner. 49, 263–269 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1346/CCMN.2001.0490309
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1346/CCMN.2001.0490309