Adhesive force between particles is an important factor governing a number of phenomena involved in industrial processes. Direct measurement of that force can facilitate elucidation of mechanisms controlling adhesion as well as the identification of how to modify surface layers for optimum adhesion between particles, but there are no adequate techniques available for exploring the behavior of the typical particles present in real life industrial systems.
The objective of this project is to study molecular mechanisms of adhesive interactions between particles in dispersions. The study includes direct in-situ measurement of the adhesive forces between various particles and between particles and large surfaces. The behavior of adsorbed layers is being studied for different surfactant and polymer additives with particular emphasis on interaction time. Media effects are being examined to understand how different adsorbents modify contacts in different environments.
Finally, the general rules and guidelines for the designing of additives that will have the desired effects in any given system of particles and media will be developed.
