Abstract
The effect of solids volume fraction φ and state of deflocculation on the gelling kinetics of clay suspensions has been studied, using a new model based on the following premisses: the recovery of structure after shearing takes place by two consecutive steps of very different velocity; the structure arising is homogeneous; and the rate at which interparticle bonds are formed depends on the number of bonds that can potentially arise but have not yet formed. The evolution of G′ and G″ with time was determined continuously for each suspension by very small amplitude dynamic oscillation tests. An empirical equation has been derived, based on the model described, which satisfactorily describes the kinetic process. It has been established that the gelling process rate rises as solids content decreases and/or deflocculant content increases. The starting and equilibrium storage moduli rise as solids content increases and deflocculant content decreases.
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