Rapid Flocculation Rates of Polystyrene Latex Dispersions

Abstract

An automatic flow ultramicroscope particle counter with laser illumination has been employed to determine absolute rates of coagulation of monodisperse polystyrene latex dispersions in excess electrolyte. The particles ranged in size from 0.37 µm to 1.9 µm diameter. Experiments were designed to test the effects of initial particle concentration and the temperature. At low particle concentrations, or by extrapolation to such a condition, close agreement was found between experimental values and those predicted by current theory.