Twelve dispersants with different molecular structure features have been compared for their ability to produce low-viscosity suspensions of yttria-stabilised zirconia in organic media. The relationship between the molecular structures and their influence on the rheological properties of YSZ was studied. The effectiveness of a dispersant is mainly determined by its ability to adsorb onto the surface of the powder dispersed in the organic medium, and adsorption of a dispersant was found to be strongly promoted if a chelate ring could be formed with the powder surface. Rheological measurements showed that Solsperse3000, a pentastearic acid oligomer, was the best dispersant for the powder in question. This is explained in terms of the longer chain length of the surfactant molecule. The effectiveness of this dispersant was investigated in five different organic media. Solid loadings up to 52.5 and 55 vol.% with submicron- and micron-powder, respectively, could be reached using Solsperse3000 as the dispersant and terpineol as the organic medium.

Influence of dispersant structure on the rheological properties of highly-concentrated zirconia dispersions

The role of the van der Waals force in the agglomeration of powders containing submicron particles

Water pollution and fossil fuels are major issues in the context of climate change. Photocatalysis research is rising to develop green technologies for the remediation of pollutants and for energy production. Photocatalysis converts the light energy as photons into chemical energy using semiconducting materials. Different methods are utilised to synthesise these photocatalytic materials. Metal and coupled metal frameworks are applied for the production of photocatalytic materials. Here we review the synthesis and applications of photocatalysts for environmental decontamination and for production of biodiesel, methanol and hydrogen. Pollutants include dyes, pesticides, herbicides, phenols and antibiotics.

Photocatalysis for removal of environmental pollutants and fuel production: a review

Precipitation of calcium oxalates from high ionic strength solutions III. the influence of reactant concentrations on the properties of the precipitates

Effect of pigment volume concentration and latex particle size on pigment distribution

Book reviewDispersion of powders in liquids, 3rd edn. : Edited by G. D. Parfitt Published by Applied Science Publishers Ltd., London, England, 1981, x + 518 pp., price £76

R.E. Brociner

Papers

Book reviewDispersion of powders in liquids, 3rd edn. : Edited by G. D. Parfitt Published by Applied Science Publishers Ltd., London, England, 1981, x + 518 pp., price £76