Improved dispersion of clay-rich tailings in seawater using sodium polyacrylate

摘要: Abstract Stabilization of synthetic clay-rich tailings in seawater with sodium polyacrylate (NaPA) has been studied by measurements yield stress, viscoelastic moduli, zeta potential, and particle chord length distribution. The are kaolin-quartz montmorillonite-quartz mixtures at pH 8 which all surfaces anionic. stress both decays exponentially the dose NaPA. Reducing initial value to a preset fraction ( 1 - / e ) requires 52 g/ton NaPA for 31 g/ton tailing. At these dosages, linear range, respond similarly presence NaPA, increasing their liquid-like character suspension stability. stabilizing action is supported slight increase negative potential clear shift size distribution finer sizes. underlying mechanism involves steric-electrostatic repulsion clay particles. These results suggest an alternative improve management processes that use raw natural pH.