Poly(1,2-dimethyl-5-vinylpyridinium methyl sulfate). III. Adsorption on a crystalline silica

With low-shear mixing, a portion of a high molecular weight poly(DMVPMS) is immediately adsorbed, and fairly stable aggregates are formed by the polymer bridging mechanism. The adsorption equilibrium is not established after several weeks because of a very slow liberation of the partly covered surface that is trapped within the aggregates. At a high ionic strength, or when the polymer is degraded to a low molecular weight, the adsorption equilibrium is quickly established because of a weaker bridging in the aggregates. It is proposed that poly(DMVPMS) adsorbs from water in a flattened conformation by an ion exchange mechanism. The saturation level increases and then becomes constant as the ionic strength is increased. Simple electrolytes show a specific effect on the adsorption of poly(DMVPMS) that is analogous to their effect on the interaction of other colloidal particles.