Title: Polyelectrolyte Complexes in Flocculation Applications
Abstract: This review concentrates on the interactions between oppositely charged polyelectrolytes and on the formation of complexes, which can be used for different applications such as paper retention or water treatment. Three different possibilities for the appearance of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) in flocculation applications are described. Starting with the “classical” dual system (step-by-step addition of polycation and polyanion to a negatively charged suspension of fibers or particles), the interaction between a “soluble polyanion” (such as anionic trash) with polycation is described as well as the formation of well-defined pre-mixed PECs and their application as flocculants. The influence of several parameters related to the characteristics of the solid materials (e.g., charge, particle size), the polyelectrolyte (e.g., type of charge, charge density, molar mass, hydrophobicity) and the flocculation regime (e.g., order of addition, pH, ionic strength) are discussed. Research in this area shows great potential. Over the past 30 years, dual systems have been applied mainly in the paper industry. The application of PECs, described as particle-forming flocculants, provides new possibilities in solid–liquid separation processes. For an effective system, the application parameters have to be optimized (e.g. polymer type, concentration, charge, molecular weight). Therefore, direct and efficient methods for the characterization of the flocculation behavior (sedimentation velocity, packing density of the sludge, particle size distribution) are necessary and will be described. Finally, the most advanced applications for PECs are discussed.
Publication Year: 2013
Publication Date: 2013-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 68
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