Effects of chemical structure on the properties of carboxylate‐type copolymer dispersant for coal‐water slurry

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, a series of carboxylate‐type copolymer dispersants were prepared. The effects of chemical structures of the copolymer dispersants, including the molecular weight, kind, quantity and ratio of hydrophilic/hydrophobic groups, and side chain length, on the solid loading, apparent viscosity, zeta potential, rheological behavior, and stability of coal‐water slurry (CWS) prepared from Dongtan, Yima, and Datong coals were systematically investigated. The dispersion performance of the copolymer can be improved by adjusting its chemical structures, and the dispersion mechanism was discussed. In addition, a high solid loading CWS with excellent stability toward settling can be achieved by means of the copolymer dispersant and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt (CMC‐Na). Experiments have proved that the copolymer has the potential to be developed as a new high‐effective dispersant for CWS. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009