Dispersion of alumina suspension using comb-like and diblock copolymers produced by RAFT polymerization of AMPS and MPEG

Different copolymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid sodium salt (AMPS) methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylate (MPEG) with statistical and diblock distributions were prepared using RAFT-controlled radical polymerization. The effect of polymer architecture and monomer ratio on the adsorption behavior, electrokinetic, and stability properties of the alumina suspensions was investigated. Adsorption isotherms showed that copolymer interaction depended on both the ratio of the monomers and their distribution within the macromolecular backbone. Changes in the electrokinetic properties of the alumina suspension after addition of the copolymers were investigated by monitoring the particle zeta-potential as a function of pH. A continuous shift in the isoelectric point IEP to a more acidic value was observed and particle charges were reversed when the amount of copolymer added exceeded a critical level.