Polymer Agglomeration Research Articles

Compatibilizing and toughening of the styrene and acrylonitrile copolymer and core‐shell impact modifier obtained by agglomerate technologies

AbstractParticle size distribution and the compatibility of core‐shell impact modifiers play a crucial role in determining the mechanical properties of the resin. This study presents the synthesis of a core‐shell impact modifier, a copolymer of polybutadiene grafted with styrene and acrylonitrile (PBL‐g‐SAN), using emulsion polymerization to enhance the mechanical properties of SAN resin. Polymer agglomeration technologies were employed to increase the particle size of polybutadiene latex, resulting in particles approximately 300 nm in diameter. Moreover, the effects of core‐shell modifiers with different constitutions on the mechanical properties of ABS resin were investigated. By optimizing the grafting polymerization process, improvements in impact strength of ABS resin were observed. When the St/AN ratio of the core‐shell modifier is 75/25, with a core‐shell ratio of 60/40 and MMA content at 2.5%, the impact strength of ABS resin reaches its peak while maintaining high tensile strength. The incorporation of methyl methacrylate improved the dispersion of core‐shell modifiers in SAN resin. Compared to commercial ABS resins with the same SAN and rubber content, the modified resin demonstrated a nearly 20% improvement in impact performance, and significant reductions in both production time and costs due to the polymer agglomeration method.Highlights The 300 nm polybutadiene latex was synthesized by polymer agglomeration technology. The relationship between the composition of these core‐shell modifiers and the mechanical properties of ABS resin was explored. The ABS resin with impact strength exceeding 20% of commercial material is prepared.

Influence of Particle Size and Content of Agglomerated Polybutadiene on Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Terpolymer

The particle size of polybutadiene (PB) particles can be effectively controlled through polymer agglomeration. However, up to now, the impact of the particle size and concentration of agglomerated PB on the mechanical properties and rheological behavior of ABS terpolymer remains unclear. Our research described here studied the effect of the particle size and content of agglomerated PB on the mechanical and rheological properties of ABS. It was found that the impact strength of ABS with a bimodal size distribution of PB (67/452 nm) exceeded that of ABS with a unimodal PB size distribution within the PB content range studied. Furthermore, the impact strength of the ABS containing 319 nm PB above the brittle-toughness transition point was greater than that of other ABS containing unimodal PB at the same PB content. For ABS with a unimodal PB distribution, the PB contents of ABS containing 220, 319, and 415 nm PB at the brittle ductile transition point were 14%, 12%, and 16%, respectively. The tensile strength and melting index of the ABS containing different particle sizes of agglomerated PB decreased linearly with the increase of PB content. Rheological tests showed the viscosity and dynamic viscoelastic properties of the ABS blends. All ABS exhibited shear-thinning behavior, and the addition of PB content resulted in more elastic than viscous behavior in the ABS blends. At the same angular frequency (ω), higher PB content corresponded to greater complex viscosity in the ABS blends. In addition, as the PB content in ABS was increased, it exhibited more solid-like behavior. This study, we suggest, provides a good insight into the effect of agglomerated PB on the ABS/PB blend properties and explores practical applications for the polymer agglomeration of polybutadiene latex (PBL).

Assessment of Binder Modification in Dry-Added Waste Plastic Modified Asphalt.

Plastic production has risen steadily, but recycling rates lag. Researchers are increasingly investigating the use of plastics in road construction, especially in terms of modifying asphalt with waste plastics. The dry process, which involves incorporating plastics into hot aggregates, is increasingly gaining traction as an alternative to the wet process, where plastics are added to hot bitumen. Past studies indicate enhanced asphalt mixture properties with the dry process, but there is debate about the role of waste plastics-whether they should be used as aggregates, fillers, or binder modifiers. This study explores the extent to which dry-added waste plastic modified the binder of the asphalt mixtures. Fluorescent microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed the impact of plastic on the binder, while image analysis quantified polymer swelling and dispersion in the binder matrix. It was concluded that when plastics are added to hot aggregates, they will act as binder modifiers. Lower plastic content and reduced polymer crystallinity led to increased polymer swelling and better dispersion in the mixture. This study recommends plastic inclusion of less than 2.5% (by volume) in the dry-added method since high plastic content leads to polymer agglomeration, especially for highly crystalline polymers. Additionally, mixes modified with amorphous plastics exhibited superior workability and performance compared to those modified with crystalline plastics. This study also suggests that using plastics to replace both bitumen and filler can improve cost efficiency, reduce the carbon footprint, and enhance the overall performance of the asphalt mixture.

Artificial neural network prediction of particle size of agglomerated polybutadiene latex

AbstractPolymer agglomeration is a useful way to enlarge the particle size of polybutadiene latex (PBL). However, the agglomeration process is very complex and is affected by many factors. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the mean particle size and distribution of agglomerated PBL. This study proposed a novel simulation method based on the artificial neural network (ANN) model. Firstly, the influence of agglomeration conditions on the particle size of agglomerated PBL were investigated, including the particle size of pre‐agglomerate PBL, the amount, the α‐methacrylic acid (α‐MAA) content, the solid content and the particle size of agglomerating agent. It is found that these factors have a close nonlinear relationship with the mean particle size and polydispersion index (PDI) of agglomerated PBL. Then, a model containing 236 data points was built using ANN including these properties as input with mean particle size and PDI of agglomerated PBL as output. The coefficient of determination (R2) values predicted by ANN for training, validation, test and total data are 0.9879, 0.9964, 0.9930, and 0.9902, respectively. It indicates that there is a good agreement between experimental data and predicted results by ANN. This study demonstrates that a simple machine learning method has good performance in predicting the particle size of agglomerated PBL, which further improves the development efficiency of PBL polymer agglomeration.

Agglomeration behavior and mechanism of polybutadiene latex by nanocomposite emulsion particles

Polymer agglomeration method is an efficient way to enlarge the particle size of polybutadiene latex (PBL). However, thus far, the particle size of polymer agglomerating agent and agglomerated PBL could not been accurately regulated, and there is a lack of investigation of agglomeration mechanism. Herein, an efficient way for regulating the particle size of the agglomerating agent and PBL was proposed. It was found that the particle size of agglomerating agents can be obtained in the range of 69 nm to 143 nm by adjusting the monomer content and the amount of α-methacrylic acid in the emulsion polymerization process. Then, the effects of different agglomeration parameters on the particle size of agglomerated PBL were investigated, including the amount, the α-MAA content and the particle size of agglomerating agent, agglomeration temperature and agglomeration time. The results indicated that the particle size of agglomerated PBL first increased and then decreased to a stable state with the increase of the amount of agglomerating agent. This phenomenon was quite different from the results of existing studies, which show that the particle size of agglomerated PBL gradually increases with the increase of the amount of agglomerating agent. According to the investigation of agglomeration process of PBL, the PBL agglomeration mechanism of dispersion-adsorption-coalescence-shrinkage was proposed. This study not only provides theoretical support for the PBL polymer agglomeration process, but also provides a practical way to increase acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) production efficiency.

Effect of trimethylamine-N-oxide on the phase separation of aqueous polyethylene glycol-600-Dextran-75 two-phase systems.

The emergence of phase separation in both intracellular biomolecular condensates (membrane-less organelles) and in vitro aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) relies on the formation of immiscible water-based phases/domains. The solvent properties and arrangement of hydrogen bonds within these domains have been shown to differ and can be modulated with the addition of various inorganic salts and osmolytes. The naturally occuring osmolyte, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), is well established as a biological condensate stabilizer whose presence results in enhanced phase separation of intracellular membrane-less compartments. Here, we show the unique effect of TMAO on the mechanism of phase separation in model PEG-600-Dextran-75 ATPS using dynamic and static light scattering in conjunction with ATR-FTIR and solvatochromic analysis. We observe that the presence of TMAO may enhance or destabilize phase separation depending on the concentration of phase forming components. Additionally, the behavior and density of mesoscopic polymer agglomerates, which arise prior to macroscopic phase separation, are altered by the presence and concentration of TMAO.

Synthesis liquid crystal composites diacrylate resin of 2-methyl-1,4-phenylene bis(4-(3-acryloyloxy)propoxy)benzoate) with methyl methacrylate

Liquid crystal composite is a material made from monomer liquid crystal with other materials. These composites are very useful because they combine good properties of each material for many applications. Liquid crystal diacrylate resin of 2-methyl-1,4-phenylene bis(4-(3-(acryloyloxy) propoxy)benzoate) that combined with monomer methyl methacrylate (MMA) using casting solution method. Process casting solution of that material using variation weight percentage of each material. Result of casting solution was photopolymerized using preparate glass to make a thin layer polymer. Characterization thin layer polymer liquid crystal diacrylate resin with MMA using instrumentations FTIR for identify of chemical group functions molecules. FTIR spectrum showed peak at 1155 cm−1-1160 cm−1 for identifications stretching vibration of C-O-C in ester molecule and 2925-2960 cm−1 for identifying the stretching vibration of –CH3. Its band for identify bond formation between MMA with diacrylate resin. Diffractogram XRD showed thin layer polymer of PMMA-diacrylate resin has amorphous properties, because there aren’t sharp peak diffraction at 2θ 16.33°, 24.02°, 44.68°, and 72.54°. This result indicates that thin monomer methyl methacrylate blending perfect with diacrylate resin. Therefore analysis morphology of thin layer liquid crystal composite of PMMA-diacrylate resin homogen in some regions but in a little surface seen agglomeration of polymer.

Spray agglomeration of polymer particles: Influence of spray parameters on shape factors

This work systematically investigates the influence of spray parameters on the shape factor descriptors and the fractal dimensions of polymer agglomerates produced by fluidised bed spray agglomeration. Polystyrene primary-particles with sizes <100 μm (Geldart C/A) are used to investigate the shape formation during the agglomeration process with regard to the spray-parameters, i.e., volume flows of the atomization gas and the binder liquid. As binding agent, a solution of polymethyl-methacrylate in acetone is used. Analysis of the agglomerates is carried out using scanning electron microscopy and laser diffraction. Development of agglomerate-size and the distributions of the shape factors circularity, roundness and compactness are monitored by image analysis and correlated with the spray parameters. The calculation of the fractal dimensions with regard to the Sauter mean diameter using the box counting method is performed and compared with the shape factors, resulting in two complementary methods to describe the shape of agglomerates.

Biologically inspired reinforcement using polydopamine of polymer bound composites

Interfacial strength plays a critical role in the mechanical properties of a composite system. In this work, a proven mock high explosive (HE), 5-iodo-2’-deoxyuridine (IDOX) was coated by the adhesive promoting polymer polydopamine (PDA), then formulated with an Estane binder system to form an improved HE mock composite. An extensive comparison study of mechanical properties was performed to determine the effects, if any, of PDA on the composite system. To aid in interpretation of the mechanical test data, neutron reflectometry experiments were performed to determine the thickness and structure of the as deposited PDA films. The mechanical performance of PDA-treated IDOX was then compared to untreated specimens by compression testing in the Brazilian disk geometry. The results strongly suggested that the structure of PDA consists of two layers: one low in density caused by polymer agglomerates attaching to the substrate during polymerization, and the second high in density caused by controlled linear deposition of polydopamine. The mechanical testing showed that PDA greatly increased the stiffness and yield strength of IDOX based mocks without causing any disruption to the underlying crystal system.

Mechanism of Phase Separation in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems.

Liquid-liquid phase separation underlies the formation of membrane-less organelles inside living cells. The mechanism of this process can be examined using simple aqueous mixtures of two or more solutes, which are able to phase separate at specific concentration thresholds. This work presents the first experimental evidence that mesoscopic changes precede visually detected macroscopic phase separation in aqueous mixtures of two polymers and a single polymer and salt. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis indicates the formation of mesoscopic polymer agglomerates in these systems. These agglomerates increase in size with increasing polymer concentrations prior to visual phase separation. Such mesoscopic changes are paralleled by changes in water structure as evidenced by Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic analysis of OH-stretch bands. Through OH-stretch band analysis, we obtain quantitative estimates of the relative fractions of four subpopulations of water structures coexisting in aqueous solutions. These estimates indicate that abrupt changes in hydrogen bond arrangement take place at concentrations below the threshold of macroscopic phase separation. We used these experimental observations to develop a model of phase separation in aqueous media.

Incorporation of nanoalumina into a polymeric asphalt matrix: Reinforcement of the nanostructure, improvement of phase stability, and amplification of rheological parameters

This research aimed to reinforce the nanostructure of an asphalt matrix modified by SBS polymer (Poliflex 60/85-E) from the incorporation of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles, promoting improvement of phase stability and, consequently, amplifying rheological parameters at elevated temperatures. For this, the reference matrix was nanomodified with 0.5%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, and 12% of nano-Al2O3, by weight of asphalt binder. The experimental investigation analyzed the phase separation of nanocomposites and verified the rheological parameters at high temperatures, which directly impact storage stability, apparent viscosity, resistance to thermal and oxidative aging, and susceptibility to permanent deformations. As a result, it was observed that the presence of the nanomodifier improved the stability of phases from the nanostructural reinforcement of the matrix, which improved the polymer-binder interface and may have restricted the segregation action. Furthermore, improvement of rheological parameters at high temperatures was observed, indicating increase in thermal and oxidative aging resistance and decrease in susceptibility to permanent deformations. These improvements may be associated with the nanoscale properties of Al2O3, which reduced nanoporosity, linked to the infiltration and diffusion of oxygen inside nanocomposites, preventing the polymer's agglomeration action and increasing the recoverable portion of the investigated matrix.

Interaction of plastic particles with heavy metals and the resulting toxicological impacts: a review.

Interactions of plastic particles with different organic/inorganic pollutants including heavy metals impact their ecotoxicological potential, and proper understanding in this regard is important for their ecological risk assessment. However, many studies have reported the interactions between micro-/nanoplastics (MNPs) and heavy metals (HMs), but the most prevalent interactive forces and factors monitoring their interactions are still not clear. So, the present review represents the mechanisms of interactions with special emphasis on major interactive forces and biophysicochemical and environmental factors influencing trace element's adsorption onto the surface of MNPs. Electrostatic interaction and pore-filling mechanism can best explain the HMs adsorption to MNPs. A number of biophysicochemical factors (such as biofilm, size, crystallinity, and surface charge) and environmental factors (such as pH, salt, and temperature) act together for mediating interactions and ecotoxicities of MNPs and HMs in the real environment. From a toxicological point of view, the synergistic mode of action may be more active in animals, whereas the antagonistic activity may be prevalent in plants. Besides polymer density, biofilm formation and agglomeration property of MNPs can control the vertical distribution of MNPs along the water column. Finally, the ecotoxicological potential of MNPs in the natural environment can be considered as a function of spatiotemporal variation in abiotic (including MNPs and heavy metals) and biotic components. This review will be helpful in the detail understanding of ecotoxicological risk assessment of MNPs in relation to their interaction with heavy metals.

Real-time Monitoring of Fluidized Bed Agglomerating based on Improved Adaboost Algorithm

Absctract: In order to to detect the polymer agglomeration in fluidized bed reactor (FBR), a method of real-time monitoring of agglomeration in fluidized bed polyolefin reactor based on voiceprint feature recognition is developed. First, the acoustic emission detection technology is applied to collect the acoustic signal generated by the polymer collision on the inner wall of FBR. Then, the voiceprint features of the collected acoustic signal are extracted with the Mel Frequency Cepstrum Coefficients (MFCC) and the Linear Prediction Cepstrum Coefficients (LPCC). To classify the extracted voiceprint features, an improved Adaboost algorithm is proposed to establish the real-time agglomeration classification model. Due to the introduction of cost factor and Gini index decision-making calculation to the Adaboost algorithm, the proposed improved Adaboost algorithm can classify unbalanced small samples with better accuracy and F-score index compared with the traditional Adaboost algorithm. The experiment results in a fluidized bed pilot plant have verified the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.

Mitigating shrinkage of alkali-activated slag by polypropylene glycol with different molecular weights

In this work, the influence of polypropylene glycol (PPG), as the shrinkage-reducing admixture (SRA), on the fresh and hardened properties of alkali-activated slag (AAS) paste is studied. The flowability, setting time, compressive strength, pore structure, and drying shrinkage performance of AAS with PPG of three different molecular weights (i.e., PPG400, PPG1000, and PPG2000) at two addition dosages (i.e., 0.5% and 1.0% by slag mass) are evaluated. The results show that PPG addition slightly affects the flowability and setting behaviors of AAS, but retards its strength development likely due to the inhibiting effect of polymer agglomerates in PPG on slag dissolution and reaction. The PPG400 shows a higher shrinkage mitigation efficiency in AAS systems than its counterparts with a higher molecular weight. Nevertheless, the beneficial shrinkage mitigation role of PPG addition is merely significant in the AAS dried under a relatively low relative humidity level. The mechanism by which PPG addition mitigates shrinkage of AAS is attributed to the combinational effects of surface tension reduction of pore solution and coarsening of pore structure.

Using a combined neural network ─ genetic algorithm approach for predicting the complex rheological characteristics of microfluidized sugarcane juice

The effect of multi-cycle multi-pressure microfluidization on the rheological properties of sugarcane juice has been reported for the first time in this work. Microfluidization pressure was varied in defined steps from 50 to 200 MPa with 1–7 cycles of processing. Rheological measurements were carried out at 30, 40 and 50 °C. Increase in microfluidization pressure up to 150 MPa showed an increase in consistency index. Beyond 150 MPa, an observed reduction in consistency index was attributed to the reduction in carbohydrate polymer chains, agglomeration, and molecular degradation. At low processing pressures, microfluidized sugarcane juice exhibited pseudoplastic behavior but showed a dilatant tendency at higher pressures (>150 MPa). Microfluidization increased the flow behavior index by 24–38% as compared to unprocessed sugarcane juice. No prominent trend in rheological data was observed with change in microfluidization cycles. Consistency index was reduced with increase in temperature and was found in the range of 1.5 × 10−3 ─ 5.3 × 10−3 Pa.sn whereas the flow behavior index was found in the range of 0.71 ─ 0.99. A GA mediated ANN model with 12 hidden layer neurons was found to predict the rheological properties of microfluidized sugarcane juice with a reasonable level of accuracy (R2 = 0.86–0.93).

Facile synthesis and dopamine sensing application of three component nanocomposite thin films based on polythiophene, gold nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes

A simple and versatile route to synthesize nanocomposite thin films containing polythiophene, gold nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes is demonstrated. The strategy is based on a liquid-liquid interfacial reaction, in which polythiophene and gold nanoparticles are concomitantly synthesized through a reaction between an aqueous solution of tetrachloroauric acid and a n-hexane solution of thiophene containing carbon nanotubes previously dispersed. The three-component nanocomposite is obtained directly as a thin and homogeneous film, self-assembled at the liquid-liquid interface, and easily transferable to ordinary substrates. Different reaction times were investigated, and the materials were characterized by several techniques, such as SEM, TEM, profilometry and EDS to inform about the morphology and the elementary composition, FTIR, Raman, TGA, UV–Vis and DRX about the structure of the materials and the electrochemical properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The presence of carbon nanotubes accelerates the reaction, yielding greater amount of product when compared to similar reactions conducted without the carbon nanotubes. The proportion between the components, amount of products and film thickness can be controlled by the reaction time. It is observed that the amount of both polythiophene and gold nanoparticles increases with the increasing reaction time, inducing the formation of polymer agglomerates over de carbon nanotubes and the anisotropic growth of gold nanoparticles. The presence of CNT increases the electrochemical stability of the films when compared to similar ones without CNT. The potentiality of the prepared nanocomposite as electrochemical sensor was evaluated for voltammetric determination of dopamine. Best results were found for a PT/Au/CNT film prepared after 4.5h of reaction, with a limit of detection of 0.69μmolL−1.

Poly (n-butyl cyanoacrylate) as a nanocarrier for rivastigmine transport across the blood–brain barrier in Alzheimer’s disease treatment: a perspective from molecular dynamics simulations

In this study, molecular dynamics simulations have been used to investigate the behavior of the drug rivastigmine and its carrier so-called poly (n-butyl cyanoacrylate) in the encapsulation process. Polymer modeling, and subsequently the emulsion polymerization model, were applied to analyze drug release in vitro and to justify rivastigmine transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and polymer agglomeration. On the other hand, suitable polymer chain length, encapsulation method, polarity between polymer and drug structure, and finally, pattern of drug released in vitro and in vivo have been investigated to analyze the behavior of drug and polymer accurately. Maximum drug loading was determined based on the modeling of drug encapsulation and comparison of the radius of gyration of polymer (Rg) and distance between center of masses (COMs) of rivastigmine molecules and polymer in equilibrium condition (A°). With the aim of better understanding of drug release, we calculated the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, diffusion coefficient, and intermolecular interaction energy. The results reveal that more drug molecules remain on the surface of the polymeric structure, with increasing the concentration of rivastigmine molecules from 3 up to 7, but the number of encapsulated drug molecules inside of the polymer remains constant. Also, calculated values of Gibbs free energy indicated that intramolecular interactions of the polymer chain overcome the intermolecular interactions between polymer and drug. Therefore, any extra loading of drug resulted in accumulation on the polymer surface. Graphical abstract Poly (n-butyl cyanoacrylate)containing rivastigmine molecules.

Evolution of Pt and Ag nanoparticles composites with polyphenazines onto ITO electrodes during the oxidation of H2O2 with ascorbic acid

Six polyphenazine electrodes modified with platinum and silver nanoparticles deposited over conducting polymers have been prepared using electrochemical techniques. Phenazine monomers were electropolymerized on Indium tin oxide (ITO) and their morphology was explored by SEM-EDX and Raman spectroscopy. The main findings indicated that the polymers are not homogenously electrodeposited, having pores where metal nanoparticles can be nested, which can play an important role in the ionic exchange with the electrolyte. At longer deposition times, formation of clusters is observed with a loss of electrocatalytic activity and at shorter deposition times the growth step is not yet started and catalysis does not occur. Platinum nanoparticles with sizes of 10–60 nm are formed on the polymer agglomerates. Electrochemical measurements of H2O2 and H2O2-ascorbic acid were carried out as a model system and the electrodes have been characterized by SEM-EDX. The size of the nanoparticles and their aggregates decreased with respect to those of the original size. After an electrochemical cleaning, the sizes of aggregates were recovered which justify the reproducibility of the sensor. For Ag/Polymer/ITO, in all of cases, formation of dendrites plus silver nanoparticles was observed by SEM-EDX.

Viscoelastic Behavior of Polymer-Modified Cement Pastes: Insight from Downscaling Short-Term Macroscopic Creep Tests by Means of Multiscale Modeling

Adding polymers to cementitious materials improves their workability and impermeability, but also increases their creep activity. In the present paper, the creep behavior of polymer-modified cement pastes is analyzed based on macroscopic creep tests and a multiscale model. The continuum micromechanics model allows for “downscaling” the results of macroscopic hourly-repeated ultra-short creep experiments to the viscoelastic behavior of micron-sized hydration products and polymer particles. This way, the increased creep activity of polymer-modified cement pastes is traced back to an isochoric power-law-type creep behavior of the polymers. The shear creep modulus of the polymers is found (i) to be two orders of magnitude smaller than that of the hydrates and (ii) to increase considerably with increasing material age. The latter result suggests that the creep activity of the polymers decreases with the self-desiccation-related decrease of the relative humidity inside the air-filled pores of cement paste. Furthermore, its decrease is most likely related to the penetration of cementitious hydrates into compliant polymer agglomerates.

Relationship between the zeta potential and the chemical agglomeration efficiency of fine particles in flue gas during coal combustion

Fly ash fine particles emitted from flue gas during coal combustion are the primary atmospheric pollutants in China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the zeta potential of fine particle suspensions. The relationship between the zeta potential and the fine particle removal efficiency was also discussed. Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the zeta potential of fine particle aqueous solutions under various pH, ion concentration, surfactant, polymer, and chemical agglomeration solution conditions. A chemical agglomeration system was designed to simulate the removal process of the fine particles. The test results indicated that the zeta potential absolute value of the solution decreased initially and then increased as the pH increased. As the pH increased from 4 to 12, the zeta potential decreased from Zp = 9.4 mV to Zp = −45.4 mV. The isoelectric point (IEP) was 4.3. Also at the IEP, the highest fine particle removal efficiency of 25.9% was achieved. The zeta potential increased as the metal cation concentration of the solutions increased. The trivalent cation Al3+ exhibited the best performance, which increased Zp from −32.1 mV to −11.2 mV and produced the highest fine particle removal efficiency of 9.2%. Polymers significantly impacted the zeta potential. As the concentration of kappa-carrageenan (CAR) increased from 0.01% to 5%, the zeta potential increased from −30.1 mV to 12.6 mV. The highest fine particle removal efficiency of 41.8% was acquired at a concentration of 0.5%, which had the lowest zeta potential absolute value of 3.5 mV. It can be inferred that the increase in the zeta potential induced the growth of the energy barrier, which prevented particle agglomeration. The suspension with a lower zeta potential exhibited a better fine particle removal efficiency.