Interfacial and rheological properties of humic acid/hematite suspensions

Rheology of magnetic colloids containing clusters of particle platelets and polymer nanofibres

Magnetic hydrogels (ferrogels) are soft materials with a wide range of applications, especially in biomedicine because (i) they can be provided with the required biocompatibility; (ii) their heterogeneous structure allows their use as scaffolds for tissue engineering; (iii) their mechanical properties can be modified by changing different design parameters or by the action of magnetic fields. These characteristics confer them unique properties for acting as patterns that mimic the architecture of biological systems. In addition, and (iv) given their high porosity and aqueous content, ferrogels can be loaded with drugs and guided towards specific targets for local (non-systemic) pharmaceutical treatments. The ferrogels prepared in this work contain magnetic particles obtained by precipitation of magnetite nanoparticles onto the porous surface of bentonite platelets. Then, the particles were functionalized by adsorption of alginate molecules and dispersed in an aqueous solution of sodium alginate. Finally, the gelation was promoted by cross-linking the alginate molecules with Ca²⁺ ions. The viscoelastic properties of the ferrogels were measured in the absence/presence of external magnetic fields, showing that these ferrogels exhibited a strong enough magnetorheological effect. This behaviour is explained considering the field-induced strengthening of the heterogeneous (particle-polymer) network generated inside the ferrogel. This article is part of the theme issue 'Patterns in soft and biological matters'.

Chondroitin-Sulfate-A-Coated Magnetite Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Testing to Predict Their Colloidal Behavior in Biological Milieu

Biopolymer coated magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) are suitable to fabricate biocompatible magnetic fluid (MF). Their comprehensive characterization, however, is a necessary step to assess whether bioapplications are feasible before expensive in vitro and in vivo tests. The MNPs were prepared by co-precipitation, and after careful purification, they were coated by chondroitin-sulfate-A (CSA). CSA exhibits high affinity adsorption to MNPs (H-type isotherm). We could only make stable MF of CSA coated MNPs (CSA@MNPs) under accurate conditions. The CSA@MNP was characterized by TEM (size ~10 nm) and VSM (saturation magnetization ~57 emu/g). Inner-sphere metal–carboxylate complex formation between CSA and MNP was proved by FTIR-ATR and XPS. Electrophoresis and DLS measurements show that the CSA@MNPs at CSA-loading > 0.2 mmol/g were stable at pH > 4. The salt tolerance of the product improved up to ~0.5 M NaCl at pH~6.3. Under favorable redox conditions, no iron leaching from the magnetic core was detected by ICP measurements. Thus, the characterization predicts both chemical and colloidal stability of CSA@MNPs in biological milieu regarding its pH and salt concentration. MTT assays showed no significant impact of CSA@MNP on the proliferation of A431 cells. According to these facts, the CSA@MNPs have a great potential in biocompatible MF preparation for medical applications.

Using chromatographic and spectroscopic parameters to characterize preference and kinetics in the adsorption of humic and fulvic acid to goethite

Humic substances (HS) are very heterogeneous, and preferential adsorption of certain components takes place during their interaction with minerals. Our results indicated that for fulvic acid (FA) the relatively large (3.6-18.2 kDa) particles were preferred in the adsorption to goethite, whereas for humic acid (HA) the intermediate sized (3.6-12.0 kDa) fractions were preferred. Correlations between molar mass (M_w) and specific UV absorption values (SUVA) with ratios of UV light absorbance (E₂/E₃, E₄/E₆) were observed. The adsorption did not change the relation between E₂/E₃ and M_w, E₄/E₆ and SUVA. The E₂/E₃ and E₄/E₆ can probably be used as indicators of molar mass and aromaticity of HS in studying the preferential adsorption. The adsorption of HA and FA to goethite was fast and reached a steady state in about 6 h. The intermediate sized HA particles (3.6-12.0 kDa) were adsorbed quickly, and part of them was subsequently replaced by somewhat larger particles (>50 kDa). For FA, preferential adsorption of relative large particles (3.6-18.2 kDa) took place quickly, and there was a limited substitution by particles with higher aromaticity. Without specifying the property especially the molar mass range of HS under study, confusion can arise from researches using different HS materials.

Mechanical properties of magnetic gels containing rod-like composite particles

Magnetic gels (ferrogels) are heterogeneous systems structured at the nanoscale that contains magnetic particles dispersed in three-dimensional networks of polymer chains. In the present work, the magnetic particles were synthesized with a core-shell structure, consisting of sepiolite particles covered by magnetite nanoparticles. These composite particles had a rod-like shape with a high aspect ratio. The obtained sepiolite-magnetite particles showed a high enough susceptibility and saturation magnetization. The magneto-rheological (MR) properties, and the intensity of the MR effect, of aqueous suspensions of the synthesized particles were studied. The particles, functionalized by adsorption of alginate molecules, were imbedded in alginate hydrogels to get homogeneous soft materials. The particles were linked to the polymer chains as the knots in a network and dominated in a great extent the mechanical properties of the materials. After determining the optimal compositions of the ferrogels, their viscoelastic properties were measured in the absence/presence of magnetic fields. The results pointed out that the MR effect provided by the clay-magnetite particles was considerably more intense than those achieved in ferrogels that contain spherical magnetic microparticles. Therefore, the imbedding of rod-shaped magnetic particles in hydrogels allows controlling the mechanical properties in a wider range than in conventional ferrogels. This article is part of the theme issue 'Heterogeneous materials: metastable and non-ergodic internal structures'.

Deposition of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) on surfaces in aquatic systems: a review of interaction forces, experimental approaches, and influencing factors

The growing development of nanotechnology has promoted the wide application of engineered nanomaterials, raising immense concern over the toxicological impacts of nanoparticles on the ecological environment during their transport processes. Nanoparticles in aquatic systems may undergo deposition onto environmental surfaces, which affects the corresponding interactions of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) with other contaminants and their environmental fate to a certain extent. In this review, the most common ENPs, i.e., carbonaceous, metallic, and nonmetallic nanoparticles, and their potential ecotoxicological impacts on the environment are summarized. Colloidal interactions, including Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) and non-DLVO forces, involved in governing the depositional behavior of these nanoparticles in aquatic systems are outlined in this work. Moreover, laboratory approaches for examining the deposition of ENPs on collector surfaces, such as the packed-bed column and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method, and the limitations of their applications are outlined. In addition, the deposition kinetics of nanoparticles on different types of surfaces are critically discussed as well, with emphasis on other influencing factors, including particle-specific properties, particle aggregation, ionic strength, pH, and natural organic matter. Finally, the future outlook and challenges of estimating the environmental transport of ENPs are presented. This review will be helpful for better understanding the effects and transport fate of ENPs in aquatic systems. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Sorption Characteristics and Fraction Distribution Changes of Selenite in Soil

Sorption properties play a key role in the mobility of selenium (Se) and fraction distribution changes, leading to the bioavailability of Se in the soil environment. Thus, the effect of soil physicochemical properties on the sorption of exogenous selenite was investigated to predict the rate and capacity of sorption. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to observe the relationship between sorption characteristics and soil properties. Sequential extraction was used to observe the fractions of Se at different ages in soil. Results indicated that sorption isotherms followed the Langmuir equation, and the sorption capacity ranged from 50.7 to 567 mg·kg−1 with pseudo-second-order sorption kinetics. The correlation and multiple linear regression analyses showed that sorption parameters were significantly positively correlated with dithionite–citrate–bicarbonate-extracted Fe (FeDCB), dithionite–citrate–bicarbonate-extracted Al (AlDCB), amorphous Fe (FeOX), and soil organic matter (SOM), whereas pH was negatively correlated. Sequential extraction analyses revealed that the fraction distribution of Se in soil varied with the age, and the content of elemental Se increased with prolonged aging. FeDCB, AlDCB, FeOX, pH, and SOM play important roles in selenite sorption onto soils. Selenite sorption onto soil can be reduced to a lower-state Se, such as elemental Se and selenides, during the aging process. This information on the environmental behavior of Se is used to develop agronomic strategies for increasing Se levels in food crops and improving human health.

Isoelectric points and points of zero charge of metal (hydr)oxides: 50years after Parks' review

The pH-dependent surface charging of metal (hydr)oxides is reviewed on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the publication by G.A. Parks: "Isoelectric points of solid oxides, solid hydroxides, and aqueous hydroxo complex systems" in Chemical Reviews. The point of zero charge (PZC) and isoelectric point (IEP) became standard parameters to characterize metal oxides in aqueous dispersions, and they define adsorption (surface excess) of ions, stability against coagulation, rheological properties of dispersions, etc. They are commonly used in many branches of science including mineral processing, soil science, materials science, geochemistry, environmental engineering, and corrosion science. Parks established standard procedures and experimental conditions which are required to obtain reliable and reproducible values of PZC and IEP. The field is very active, and the number of related papers exceeds 300 a year, and the standards established by Parks remain still valid. Relevant experimental techniques improved over the years, especially the measurements of electrophoretic mobility became easier and more reliable, are the numerical values of PZC and IEP compiled by Parks were confirmed by contemporary publications with a few exceptions. The present paper is an up-to-date compilation of the values of PZC and IEP of metal oxides. Unlike in former reviews by the same author, which were more comprehensive, only limited number of selected results are presented and discussed here. On top of the results obtained by means of classical methods (titration and electrokinetic methods), new methods and correlations found over the recent 50years are presented.

A semi-empirical model for transport of inorganic nanoparticles across a lipid bilayer: implications for uptake by living cells

Due to increasing application, release of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanomaterials into the environment becomes likely. Knowledge about NP uptake in organisms is crucial for risk assessment including estimations on the behavior of NPs based on their physicochemical properties. In the present study, the authors have applied current scientific knowledge to construct a mathematical model, which estimates the transport of NPs through a model biological membrane. The semi-empirical model developed showed all parameters studied to substantially affect the agglomeration of the NPs in suspension, thereby also affecting passive transport. The authors quantified the effects of pH, ionic strength, organic matter concentration of medium, and NP size of several inorganic NPs on the permeation through the lipid membrane. Model outcomes and experimental results described in literature were strongly correlated for several metal oxide NPs. With caution, the model may be used to explain some of the existing variance in nano-uptake and toxicity experiments.

ADSORPTION OF PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE TO KAOLIN PARTICLES AND TO MIXTURES OF KAOLIN AND HEMATITE PARTICLES IN AQUEOUS SUSPENSIONS

Deliberate contamination with pesticides is a potential risk to water security, due to the availability of these contaminants and the fact that they do not need special expertise to handle or apply. Adsorption of the herbicide paraquat from an aqueous solution to suspended particles of kaolin and kaolin/hematite mixture was investigated by kinetic and equilibrium assays, taking into consideration several parameters such as initial pH, sorbent dosage and agitation speed. The results showed that the adsorption process is quite fast, reaching an 18% reduction in paraquat concentration in a very short period of time. The addition of hematite particles to kaolin suspension had no apparent effect on the maximum amount of paraquat adsorbed. Kinetic parameters were determined by fitting the pseudo-second order model to the experimental data (correlation coefficients close to 1). Isotherm studies indicate an inhibitory effect, promoted by hematite particles, that was not detected in the adsorption assays. Equilibrium data was best adjusted using the Langmuir model which yielded higher correlation coefficient values and smaller normalized standard deviations.

Experimental determination and modeling of arsenic complexation with humic and fulvic acids

The complexation of humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) with arsenic (As) in water was studied. Experimental results indicate that arsenic may form complexes with HA and FA with a higher affinity for arsenate than for arsenite. With the presence of iron oxide based adsorbents, binding of arsenic to HA/FA in water was significantly suppressed, probably due to adsorption of As and HA/FA. A two-site ligand binding model, considering only strong and weak site types of binding affinity, was successfully developed to describe the complexation of arsenic on the two natural organic fractions. The model showed that the numbers of weak sites were more than 10 times those of strong sites on both HA and FA for both arsenic species studied. The numbers of both types of binding sites were found to be proportional to the HA concentrations, while the apparent stability constants, defined for describing binding affinity between arsenic and the sites, are independent of the HA concentrations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize the impact of HA concentrations on the applicability of the ligand binding model, and to extrapolate the model to FA. The obtained results may give insights on the complexation of arsenic in HA/FA laden groundwater and on the selection of more effective adsorption-based treatment methods for natural waters.

Interactions of dissolved organic matter with natural and engineered inorganic colloids: a review

This contribution critically reviews the state of knowledge on interactions of natural colloids and engineered nanoparticles with natural dissolved organic materials (DOM). These interactions determine the behavior and impact of colloids in natural system. Humic substances, polysaccharides, and proteins present in natural waters adsorb onto the surface of most colloids. We outline major adsorption mechanisms and structures of adsorption layers reported in the literature and discuss their generality on the basis of particle type, DOM type, and media composition. Advanced characterization methods of both DOM and colloids are needed to address insufficiently understood aspects as DOM fractionation upon adsorption, adsorption reversibility, and effect of capping agent. Precise knowledge on adsorption layer helps in predicting the colloidal stability of the sorbent. While humic substances tend to decrease aggregation and deposition through electrostatic and steric effects, bridging-flocculation can occur in the presence of multivalent cations. In the presence of DOM, aggregation may become reversible and aggregate structure dynamic. Nonetheless, the role of shear forces is still poorly understood. If traditional approaches based on the DLVO-theory can be useful in specific cases, quantitative aggregation models taking into account DOM dynamics, bridging, and disaggregation are needed for a comprehensive modeling of colloids stability in natural media.

An experimental study on the aggregation of TiO2 nanoparticles under environmentally relevant conditions

The eventual future scenario of a release of nanomaterials into the environment makes it necessary to assess the risk involved in their use by studying their behavior in natural waters. NanoTiO2 is one of the most commonly employed nanomaterials. In the present work we studied the aggregation rates, aggregate size and aggregate morphology of NanoTiO2 under the presence of inert electrolytes, divalent cations, and these two combined with natural organic matter, in an effort to provide a comprehensive investigation of the phenomena of interaction of nanomaterials and natural waters and elucidate some of the conflicting information reported in the literature. The stability of nanoparticles could be explained in all cases, at least qualitatively, in terms of classical DLVO interactions (Electrical Double Layer, Van der Waals). Divalent cations were adsorbed to the surface of the nanoparticles, neutralizing the negative charge at pH values greater than the point of zero charge and inducing aggregation. Natural organic matter (NOM) adsorbed to the particles and made their zeta potential more negative, hence stabilizing them by lowering the pH of maximum aggregation. Divalent cations partially neutralized the adsorbed NOM, and at high concentrations aggregation was observed with Ca(2+) but not Mg(2+), suggesting the presence of specific Ca(2+)-NOM bridges. SEM images visually revealed a fractal-like morphology of the aggregates formed under unfavorable conditions.

Stability and magnetorheological behaviour of magnetic fluids based on ionic liquids

This paper reports the preparation of magnetic fluids consisting of magnetite nanoparticles dispersed in an ionic liquid. Different additives were used in order to stabilize the fluids. Colloidal stability was checked by magnetic sedimentation, centrifugation and direct observation. The results of these tests showed that a true ferrofluid was only obtained when the nanoparticles were coated with a layer of surfactant compatible with the ionic liquid. These experiments also showed that stability could not be reached just by electrostatic repulsion. The conclusions of the stability tests were confirmed by calculations of the interparticle energies of interaction. The rheological behaviour of the magnetic fluids upon magnetic field application was also investigated. The experimental magnetoviscous response was fitted by a microstructural model. The model considered that the fluids consisted of two populations of particles, one with a magnetic core diameter of 9 nm, and another with a larger diameter. Upon field application chain-like structures are supposed to be induced. According to estimations particles of 9 nm are too small to aggregate upon field application. The results of the calculations showed that the intensity of the magnetoviscous response depends on the concentration and size of the large particles, and on the thickness of the surfactant layers.

Effect of persulfate on the oxidation of benzotriazole and humic acid by e-beam irradiation

These days, the use of persulfate in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) has gained more attention as an emerging clean and efficient technology to degrade the organic pollutants. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of persulfate on the oxidation of benzotriazole (BT) and humic acids (HAs) by irradiation. The degradation of BT (3.7 μM) was followed under the influence of persulfate addition (200-500 μM) in combination with a fixed radiation dose (15 Gy) in the absence and presence of HA (5 and 20mg/L) in deionized water. The main results obtained in this study on the degradation of BT in the presence of HA showed a different effect of S(2)O(8)(2-) addition during irradiation, depending on whether HA are oxidized or not-oxidized. (1) An inhibitory effect of S(2)O(8)(2-) was observed in the presence of non-oxidized HA. (2) The removal of BT was generally more important during irradiation in the presence of S(2)O(8)(2-) when HA is pre-oxidized. This could be explained by the different structures of humic acids. These differences of structures of HA were identified by physico-chemical parameters such as the absorbance in the UV (254 nm), the fluorescence and the SUVA measurement.

Electrophoretic characterization of insulin growth factor (IGF-1) functionalized magnetic nanoparticles

The synthesis of composite nanoparticles consisting of a magnetite core coated with a layer of the hormone insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is described. The adsorption of the hormone in the different formulations is first studied by electrophoretic mobility measurements as a function of pH, ionic strength, and time. Because of the permeable character expected for both citrate and IGF-1 coatings surrounding the magnetite cores, an appropriate analysis of their electrophoretic mobility must be addressed. Recent developments of electrokinetic theories for particles covered by soft surface layers have rendered possible the evaluation of the softness degree from raw electrophoretic mobility data. In the present contribution, the data are quantitatively analyzed based on the theoretical model of the electrokinetics of soft particles. As a result, information is obtained on both the thickness and the charge density of the surrounding layer. It is shown that IGF-1 adsorbs onto the surface of citrate-coated magnetite nanoparticles, and adsorption is confirmed by dot-blot analysis. In addition, it is also demonstrated that the external layer of IGF-1 exerts a shielding effect on the surface charge of citrate-magnetite particles, as suggested by the mobility reduction upon contacting the particles with the hormone. Aging effects are demonstrated, providing an electrokinetic fingerprint of changes in adsorbed protein configuration with time.

Estimating attachment of nano- and submicrometer-particles coated with organic macromolecules in porous media: development of an empirical model

Assessing the environmental transport and fate of manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) and potential exposure risks requires models for predicting attachment of NPs coated with organic macromolecules in porous media. The objective of this study was to determine the properties of coated nanoparticles that control their attachment behavior. Deposition data for a variety of nanoparticles with different types of anionic organic coatings, including natural organic matter (NOM)-coated latex and hematite nanoparticles, and poly(styrenesulfonate)-, carboxymethylcellulose-, and polyaspartate-coated hematite and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (80 data points), were used to develop an empirical correlation between measurable NP properties and their sticking coefficient (alpha) under a variety of electrolyte conditions and flow velocities. Available semiempirical correlations used to predict the attachment efficiency of electrostatically stabilized (uncoated) NPs overestimate the attachment efficiency of nanoparticles coated with NOM or synthetic polyelectrolytes because the correlations neglect electrosteric repulsions and the decreased friction afforded by such coatings that can inhibit attachment to surfaces. Adding a dimensionless parameter (N(LEK)) representing steric repulsions and the decreased friction force afforded by adsorbed NOM or anionic polyelectrolytes in the correlation significantly improves the correlation. This establishes the importance of including the adsorbed NOM- or polyelectrolyte layer properties for estimating the attachment efficiency of NPs in the environment. The form of N(LEK) suggests that limiting unintended transport and exposure to NPs could be achieved by using coatings with the smallest adsorbed mass and polymer density, shortest extended layer thickness, and largest molecular weight that would still afford the desired functionality of the coating.

Colloid-facilitated transport of lead in natural discrete fractures

Colloid-facilitated transport of lead (Pb) was explored in a natural chalk fracture with an average equivalent hydraulic aperture of 139 microm. Tracer solution was prepared by adding montmorillonite (100 mg L(-1)) and/or humic acid (HA) (10 mg L(-1)) to modified artificial rainwater containing dissolved Pb (21.4 mg Pb L(-1)), naturally precipitated PbCO(3) particles (16.4 mg Pb L(-1)) and LiBr (39.0 mg L(-1)). We found that Pb is only mobile when associated with colloids. PbCO(3) particles were not mobile in the fracture. The addition of HA to the montmorillonite suspension increased the suspension's mobility and therefore promoted the colloid-facilitated transport of Pb. The increases in pH and sodium absorption ratio induced by the chalk-tracer solution interactions appeared to increase the dispersion and mobilization of colloids entering the fracture. The dominant colloid-facilitated transport of Pb reported in this study has significant implications for risk assessment of Pb mobility in fractured rocks.

Aggregation and disaggregation of iron oxide nanoparticles: Influence of particle concentration, pH and natural organic matter

The surface coating, aggregation behavior and aggregate structure of unpurified iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) at variable pH and in the absence and presence of natural organic matter (NOM, Suwannee River humic acid, SRHA) have been previously studied in Baalousha et al. [Baalousha, M., Manciulea, A., Cumberland, S., Kendall, K., Lead, J.R., Aggregation and surface properties of iron oxide nanoparticles; influence of pH and natural organic matter. Environ Toxicol Chem 2008; 27: 1875-1882.]. Here the aggregation behavior of iron oxide NPs at variable concentrations of NPs and SRHA, and the disaggregation behavior of iron oxide NP aggregates in the absence and presence of SRHA are investigated. The increase of NP concentration enhances their aggregation, particularly at pH values close to the point of zero charge (PZC). High concentration of SRHA (100 mg l(-1)) shifts the NP (100 mg l(-1)) PZC charge and aggregation maximum towards lower pHs, while low concentration (10 mg l(-1)) shows low or no effect. The disaggregation behavior of iron oxide NP aggregates was investigated at pH 7 and at increasing concentrations of SRHA. High concentrations (50 and 100 mg l(-1)) of SRHA induced the disaggregation of iron oxide NP aggregates with time, which was not the case at lower concentrations (10 mg l(-1)) or in the absence of SRHA. The disaggregation was triggered by the enhanced surface charge induced by the sorption of SRHA molecules. The disaggregation rate increased with SRHA concentration and decreased with time. Two regimes of disaggregation were identified, a fast regime of "fragmentation" at the first 15 days of the experiment and a slow regime of "erosion" afterwards. The formation of small aggregates of about 170 nm and surface coating of several nanometers of SRHA on iron oxide NPs confirm the role of NOM in the disaggregation process and indicate that NPs might mimic the behavior of natural colloids.

Effects of heavy metals and oxalate on the zeta potential of magnetite

Zeta potential is a function of surface coverage by charged species at a given pH, and it is theoretically determined by the activity of the species in solution. The zeta potentials of particles occurring in soils, such as clay and iron oxide minerals, directly affect the efficiency of the electrokinetic soil remediation. In this study, zeta potential of natural magnetite was studied by conducting electrophoretic mobility measurements in single and binary solution systems. It was shown that adsorption of charged species of Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Pb(2+), and Cd(2+) and precipitation of their hydroxides at the mineral surface are dominant processes in the charging of the surface in high alkaline suspensions. Taking Pb(2+) as an example, three different mechanisms were proposed for its effect on the surface charge: if pH<5, competitive adsorption with H(3)O(+); if 5<pH<6, adsorption and surface precipitation; and if pH>6, precipitation of heavy metal hydroxides prevails. Oxalate anion changed the associated surface charge by neutralizing surface positive charges by complexing with iron at the surface, and ultimately reversed the surface to a negative zeta potential. Therefore the adsorption ability of heavy metal ions ultimately changed in the presence of oxalate ion. The changes in the zeta potentials of the magnetite suspensions with solution pH before and after adsorption were utilized to estimate the adsorption ability of heavy metal ions. The mechanisms for heavy metals and oxalate adsorption on magnetite were discussed in the view of the experimental results and published data.

The effect of humic acid adsorption on pH-dependent surface charging and aggregation of magnetite nanoparticles

The pH-dependent adsorption of humic acid (HA) on magnetite and its effect on the surface charging and the aggregation of oxide particles were investigated. HA was extracted from brown coal. Synthetic magnetite was prepared by alkaline hydrolysis of iron(II) and iron(III) salts. The pH-dependent particle charge and aggregation, and coagulation kinetics at pH approximately 4 were measured by laser Doppler electrophoresis and dynamic light scattering. The charge of pure magnetite reverses from positive to negative at pH approximately 8, which may consider as isoelectric point (IEP). Near this pH, large aggregates form, while stable sols exist further from it. In the presence of increasing HA loading, the IEP shifts to lower pH, then at higher loading, magnetite becomes negatively charged even at low pHs, which indicate the neutralization and gradual recharging positive charges on surface. In acidic region, the trace HA amounts are adsorbed on magnetite surface as oppositely charged patches, systems become highly unstable due to heterocoagulation. Above the adsorption saturation, however, the nanoparticles are stabilized in a way of combined steric and electrostatic effects. The HA coated magnetite particles form stable colloidal dispersion, particle aggregation does not occur in a wide range of pH and salt tolerance is enhanced.

Stabilization of magnetorheological suspensions by polyacrylic acid polymers

This work is devoted to the synthesis and stabilization of magnetorheological suspensions constituted by monodisperse micrometer-sized magnetite spheres in aqueous media. The electrical double-layer characteristics of the solid/liquid interface were studied in the absence and presence of adsorbed layers of high molecular weight polyacrylic acids (PAA; Carbopol). Since the Carbopol-covered particles can be thought of as "soft" colloids, Ohshima's theory was used to gain information of the surface potential and the charge density of the polymer layer. The effect of the pH of the solution on the double-layer characteristics is related to the different conformations of the adsorbed molecules provoked by the dissociation of the acrylic groups present in polymer molecules. The stability of the suspensions was experimentally studied for different pH and polymer concentrations, and in the absence or presence of a weak magnetic field applied. The stability of the suspensions was explained using the classical DLVO theory of colloidal stability extended to account for hydration, steric, and magnetic interactions between particles. Diagrams of potential energy vs interparticle distance show the predominant effect of steric, hydrophilic/hydrophobic, and magnetic interactions on the whole stability of the system. The best conditions to obtain stable suspensions were found when strong steric and hydrophilic repulsions hinder the coagulation between polymer-covered particles, simultaneously avoiding sedimentation by the thickening effect of the polymer solution. When a not too high molecular weight PAA was employed in a low concentration, the task of a long-time antisettling effect compatible with the desired magnetic response of the fluid was achieved.