Preparation of composite fine particles by heterocoagulation

Abstract

To prepare regular composite particles comprised of organic and inorganic compounds, based on heterocoagulation theory, the properties of the mixture of small amphoteric latices (2a=250 nm) and large spherical silica (2a=240–1590 nm) were investigated as a function of pH, particle number ratio, particle size ratio and electrolyte concentration in the medium. It is apparent that under suitable conditions, we may prepare a stable mixed suspension comprising uniform composite particles, which are made up of many latices regularly adsorbed on silica surfaces, and each composite particle is undergoing Brownian motion as an isolated unit. This new composite particle is very stable for electrolyte, base and acid medium, and its surface charges (sign and magnitude) can be controlled by changing the pH of the medium.