Dispersion of talc particles in a silica sol

The dispersion of talc particles in silica sol has been investigated by zeta potential, sedimentation, viscosity and rheological measurements. Talc suspensions dispersed in silica sol displays an absolute maximum in zeta potential value and a minimum in sedimentation volume and viscosity around pH 10.5. The viscosity of the suspensions depends strongly on the silica sol concentration and reaches a minimum in 5 wt.% silica sols. Effects of pH, solids content and silica sol concentration on the rheological behavior of sol-dispersed talc slurries are discussed in detail.