Dispersant-binder interactions in aqueous silicon nitride suspensions

Abstract

The interaction of dispersant and binder on the surface of particles was studied to identify the effect of these additives on aqueous ceramic powder processing. Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were used as the dispersant and binder, respectively. The adsorption isotherms of the organic additives on silicon nitride were determined. The adsorption of PMAA was differentiated from PVA in the mixed additive system via ultraviolet spectroscopy. The electrokinetic behavior of silicon nitride was measured by using an electrokinetic sonic amplitude analyzer. As the PMAA concentration increased, the isoelectric point (pH(iep)) of silicon nitride shifted from pH 6.7 +/- 0.1 to acidic pH values. The magnitude of the shift depended on the surface coverage of PMAA. PVA did not affect the pH(iep) of suspensions but did cause a moderate decrease in the near-surface potential. Finally, the rheological behavior of silicon nitride suspensions was measured to assess the stability of particles against flocculation in aqueous media; this behavior was subsequently correlated with the electrokinetic and adsorption isotherm data.