Dispersant is a type of surfactant or polymer that can evenly disperse and stabilize solid particles in solution. The main principles of action of dispersants can be summarized in the following aspects:
Dispersion effect: The dispersant forms a stable hydrophilic or hydrophilic oil layer by adsorbing on the surface of solid particles, making the particles charged or changing their surface energy, thereby avoiding agglomeration and precipitation between each other, and achieving uniform dispersion of particles.
Scale inhibition effect: Dispersants can form an adsorption film on the surface of particles, hindering their mutual binding and deposition, thereby preventing the accumulation and scaling of solid particles. This is crucial for reducing pipeline and equipment blockage and maintaining fluid fluidity.
Stabilizing effect: The dispersant forms a complex or cavitation layer with solvent molecules or excess ions in the solvent, increasing the interaction force between particles and the solution, thereby stabilizing the suspended state of particles. This helps to prevent the settling and agglomeration of particles and maintain the stability of the dispersion system.
Wetting effect: Dispersants can improve the wettability between solid particles and solvents, making it easier for solid particles to disperse in the solution. It reduces the surface tension of solid particles, allowing the liquid to better penetrate and encapsulate the particles.
Foaming effect: Some dispersants have strong foaming properties, which can form stable bubbles on the surface of the solution and increase the dispersion of the liquid by increasing the surface area of the gas-liquid interface.
Overall, dispersants achieve uniform dispersion, scale inhibition, stability, and wetting of particles by adsorbing on the surface of solid particles, forming a layered structure, or interacting with solvent molecules. These effects play an important role in the stability and performance of particle dispersion systems in many fields.