Stable Aqueous Suspensions Research Articles

Modified Method for Bentonite Purification and Characterization; a Case Study Using Bentonite from Tsunagi Mine, Niigata, Japan

AbstractA modified procedure for bentonite purification and a new method for the quantitative characterization of bentonite using smectite content are reported. Bentonite found in a drill core of Tsunagi Mine, Niigata, Japan was evaluated by the new method to demonstrate the substantial increase in smectite content from 40% in the original bentonite to 75% after purification using a new procedure. Powder samples were prepared by putting blocks of bentonite into acetone to remove water without mechanical crushing. The powdered, acetone-dried bentonite was purified by a dispersion-sedimentation method in water after cation exchange of the interlayer Ca2+ ion with Na+ ion by the reaction of raw bentonite with aqueous NaCl. The purification was evaluated using X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses (TG). The raw bentonite contained feldspar, quartz, and cristobalite, and feldspar and quartz were removed by the new purification procedure. The purification was evaluated quantitatively by comparing the TG data before and after the purification. The purified bentonite swelled in water to give a stable aqueous suspension and 3 g of purified bentonite dispersed in 60 mL of water was stable for several days. The replacement of interlayer sodium with dibehenyldimethylammonium gave an organophilic clay, which swelled in toluene. The bentonite has potential practical uses as a purified bentonite and an organophilic bentonite.

Stability of Aqueous Suspensions of Medium-Chain-Length Poly-3-Hydroxyalkanoate Particles

Although poly-3-hydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and particularily medium-chain-length (mcl)-PHAs are likely to find industrial applications in a latex form, very few studies have examined their behavior in aqueous suspension and none have examined the dense suspensions required commercially. For this reason, the stability of mcl-PHA latexes containing saturated aliphatic (65 mol% 3-hydroxynonanoate, PHN), and for the first time, with vinyl (PHNU) or carboxylated side chains was examined. At 4 g L−1 with no stabilizing agent, PHNU nanoparticles (199.4 ± 3.6 nm) were significantly smaller than those of PHN (211.5 ± 6.4 nm) while carboxylated PHN nanoparticles (76.1 ± 6.4 nm) were substantially smaller than those of either PHN or PHNU with particles stable for more than 110 days. Increasing the PHN concentration to 10 g L−1 also resulted in stable latexes but with larger particles (410.8 ± 5.2 nm). Adjusting the pH of the suspending medium (water) before addition of the polymer (dissolved in acetone) resulted in much smaller PHN particles at pH = 11.3 (134 ± 2 nm) than at pH = 4.3 (312 ± 8 nm) at a 4 g L−1 final polymer concentration. Zeta potentials of PHN suspensions decreased with pH, likely due to the carboxyl end groups. Above a pH of 4.0, adjusting the pH after particle formation had little effect. NaCl addition could be used to agglomerate and ultimately precipitate the particles. Stabilizers such as surfactants will likely be required to produce denser mcl-PHA latexes with suitable particle size for certain applications such as coatings and toner production.

Highly Crystalline Nanoparticle Suspensions for Low-Temperature Processing of TiO2 Thin Films.

In this work, we present preparation and stabilization methods for highly crystalline TiO2 nanoparticle suspensions for the successful deposition of transparent, photocatalytically active TiO2 thin films toward the degradation of organic pollutants by a low temperature deposition method. A proof-of-concept is provided wherein stable, aqueous TiO2 suspensions are deposited on glass substrates. Even if the processing temperature is lowered to 150-200 °C, the subsequent heat treatment provides transparent and photocatalytically active titania thin layers. Because all precursor solutions are water-based, this method provides an energy-efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly synthesis route. The high load in crystalline titania particles obtained after microwave heating opens up the possibility to produce thin coatings by low temperature processing, as a conventional crystallization procedure is in this case superfluous. The impact of the precursor chemistry in Ti(4+)-peroxo solutions, containing imino-diacetic acid as a complexing ligand and different bases to promote complexation was studied as a function of pH, reaction time and temperature. The nanocrystal formation was followed in terms of colloidal stability, crystallinity and particle size. Combined data from Raman and infrared spectroscopy, confirmed that stable titanium precursors could be obtained at pH levels ranging from 2 to 11. A maximum amount of 50.7% crystallinity was achieved, which is one of the highest reported amounts of anatase nanoparticles that are suspendable in stable aqueous titania suspensions. Decoloring of methylene blue solutions by precipitated nanosized powders from the TiO2 suspensions proves their photocatalytic properties toward degradation of organic materials, a key requisite for further processing. This synthesis method proves that the deposition of highly crystalline anatase suspensions is a valid route for the production of photocatalytically active, transparent films on heat-sensitive substrates such as polymers.

Ionothermal precipitation of highly dispersive ZnO nanoparticles with improved photocatalytic performance

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by an ionothermal precipitation method in a ChCl:DEG deep eutectic solvent using Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O as a zinc source. A possible mechanism for the ZnO nucleation is discussed. The as-prepared ZnO samples were thoroughly examined by XRD, TEM, SEM, FTIR and XPS. The thermal and optical properties were further characterized by TGA/DTA, UV–vis and PL spectra, respectively. The results show that wurtzite ZnO mono-crystals with an average size of 30±1nm were achieved, and their morphology was expressed as a polyhedron with distorted hexagonal base faces. Furthermore, the DEG molecules were incorporated into the surfaces of the ZnO crystals and could only be removed by thermal annealing; the molecules persisted after washing with ordinary solvents. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) shows that the ZnO NPs modified via DEG molecules are stable in an aqueous suspension without additives. In addition, the inclusion of DEG promotes light absorption at a longer wavelength but reduces the intensity of emissions. XPS reveals that the removal of DEG induced exposed polar surfaces and defects and thus increased the intensity of photoluminescence, especially blue emission. The findings of this work not only provide a facile and environmentally friendly ionothermal method to prepare uniform ZnO NPs protected by DEG but also improve the aqueous suspension stability. Consequently, the photocatalytic performance is enhanced.

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Cellulose Composite: From Aqueous Dispersions to Pickering Emulsions.

A mild and simple way to prepare stable aqueous colloidal suspensions of composite particles made of a cellulosic material (Sigmacell cellulose) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is reported. These suspensions can be dried and redispersed in water at pH 10.5. Starting with rather crude initial materials, commercial Sigmacell cellulose and MWCNTs, a significant fraction of composite dispersed in water could be obtained. The solid composites and their colloidal suspensions were characterized by electronic microscopy, thermal analyses, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and light scattering. The composite particles consist of tenuous aggregates of CNTs and cellulose, several hundred nanometers large, and are composed of 55 wt % cellulose and 45 wt % CNTs. Such particles were shown to stabilize cyclohexane-in-water emulsions. The adsorption and the elasticity of the layer they form at interface were characterized by the pendant drop method. The stability of the oil-in-water emulsions was attributed to the formation of an elastic network of composite particles at interface. Cyclohexane droplet diameters could be tuned from 20 to 100 μm by adjusting the concentration of composite particles. This behavior was attributed to the limited coalescence phenomenon, just as expected for Pickering emulsions. Interestingly, cyclohexane droplets were stable over time and sustained pH modifications over a wide range, although acidic pH induced accelerated creaming. This study points out the possibility of combining crude cellulose and MWCNTs through a simple process to obtain colloidal systems of interest for the design of functional conductive materials.

Impact of lysozyme on stability mechanism of nanozirconia aqueous suspension

The effect of lysozyme (LSZ) presence on the zirconium(IV) oxide (ZrO2) aqueous suspension stability was examined. The applied zirconia contains mesopores (with a diameter about 30nm) and its mean particle size is about 100nm. To determine the stability mechanism of ZrO2 suspension in the biopolymer presence, the adsorption and electrokinetic (surface charge density and zeta potential) measurements were performed in the pH range 3–10. The lysozyme adsorption on the nanozirconia surface proceeds mainly through electrostatic forces. Under solid-polymer repulsion conditions, there is no adsorption of lysozyme (pH<6, CNaCl 0.01mol/dm3). The increase of solution ionic strength to 0.2mol/dm3 causes screening of unfavourable forces and biopolymer adsorption becomes possible. The LSZ addition to the ZrO2 suspension influences its stability. At pH 3, 4.6 and 7.6, slight improvement of the system stability was obtained. In turn, at pH 9 considerable destabilization of nanozirconia particles covered by polymeric layers occurs.

Synthesis of hybrid nanoparticles based on magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and luminescent CdS nanoparticles

A new approach to the synthesis of hybrid nanoparticles based on magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and CdS quantum dots, combining magnetic and luminescence properties, has been suggested. Conditions for preparation of their stable aqueous suspensions have been found, and their optical properties have been studied. Nanocomposites produced at the molar ratio Fe3O4: CdS = 5: 1, which exhibited the luminescence properties) and gave stable aqueous suspensions, have turned out to be most promising. The results are evidence that the synthesized nanoparticles can be used for the development of visualizing agents for in vitro biomedical research.

Dispersion of nano-sized yttria powder using triammonium citrate dispersant for the fabrication of transparent ceramics

In the present work, transparent Y2O3 ceramics were prepared via colloidal processing method from nano-sized Y2O3 powders. The effects of triammonium citrate (TAC) on the colloid stability of aqueous suspensions of nano-sized Y2O3 powders were studied. The surface properties of yttria powders were notably affected by the addition of TAC dispersant. The adsorption of TAC on the particle surface shifts the IEP to lower pH values and increases the absolute zeta potential in alkaline region. Rheological characterization of the investigated system revealed an optimal dispersant concentration of 1wt%, which correlated well with the saturation adsorption of TAC on Y2O3 powder surfaces. The suspensions with solid loadings up to 35vol% were achieved with further addition of Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) into the dispersing system. The consolidated green bodies were treated by cold isostatic pressing to further increase the green density. Transparent Y2O3 ceramics were prepared after vacuum-sintering at 1700°C for 5h. The transmittances of the sample were 74.5% at 800nm and 79.8% at 2000nm, respectively.

산화 그래핀에 의한 EDOT의 산화중합에 관한 연구

In the presence of poly(4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and excess amount of graphene oxide (GO), we conducted in-situ polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) without an oxidant. XPS and IR spectroscopies of the product (GO-P) showed that PEDOT/PSS was successfully synthesized by oxidative polymerization of EDOT and hybridized with GO. GO-P displayed a stable aqueous suspension, however, the high content (42%) of GO in GO-P diminished electrical conductivity down to . Annealing of GO-P films at for 8 hr induced partial reduction of GO and finally enhanced electrical conductivity up to .

Silver Nanoparticles Prepared by Electrical Arc Discharge Method in DIW

In this work, Silvernanoparticles prepared by arc discharge method in deionized water byapplying stablized direct current between two silver rods which are submerged in deionized waterat room temperature without any heat exchanger,vacuum equipment and gas handling equipment. During electrical discharge the temperature between electrodes can reach several thousand Celsius degrees. This leads to etch of silver electrodes in deionized water, silver vapor condensed in water creats a stable silver aqueous suspension. The silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visiblephotometer, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Atomic Force MicroscopeAFM. The optical absorption measurement showsthat the spectrum exhibits a Plasmon absorption band at ~ 400 nm which is the characteristic of silver nanoparticles. X-Ray Diffraction of the resulting NPs indicated that the particles had a crystalline structureand the average particle size determined from AFM, is about 78.75 nm.

Electrolytic exfoliation of graphite in water with multifunctional electrolytes: en route towards high quality, oxide-free graphene flakes.

Electrolytic--usually referred to as electrochemical--exfoliation of graphite in water under anodic potential holds enormous promise as a simple, green and high-yield method for the mass production of graphene, but currently suffers from several drawbacks that hinder its widespread adoption, one of the most critical being the oxidation and subsequent structural degradation of the carbon lattice that is usually associated with such a production process. To overcome this and other limitations, we introduce and implement the concept of multifunctional electrolytes. The latter are amphiphilic anions (mostly polyaromatic hydrocarbons appended with sulfonate groups) that play different relevant roles as (1) an intercalating electrolyte to trigger exfoliation of graphite into graphene flakes, (2) a dispersant to afford stable aqueous colloidal suspensions of the flakes suitable for further use, (3) a sacrificial agent to prevent graphene oxidation during exfoliation and (4) a linker to promote nanoparticle anchoring on the graphene flakes, yielding functional hybrids. The implementation of this strategy with some selected amphiphiles even furnishes anodically exfoliated graphenes of a quality similar to that of flakes produced by direct, ultrasound- or shear-induced exfoliation of graphite in the liquid phase (i.e., almost oxide- and defect-free). These high quality materials were used for the preparation of catalytically efficient graphene-Pt nanoparticle hybrids, as demonstrated by model reactions (reduction of nitroarenes). The multifunctional performance of these electrolytes is also discussed and rationalized, and a mechanistic picture of their oxidation-preventing ability is proposed. Overall, the present results open the prospect of anodic exfoliation as a competitive method for the production of very high quality graphene flakes.

Surface speciation of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate adsorbed on TiO2 nanoparticles and its impact on their colloidal stability in aqueous suspension: A comparative study with orthophosphate

Despite extensive research demonstrating the influence of organic matter and inorganic phosphate on the stability of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), far less research has assessed the impact of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (IHP), a common organic phosphate widely present in the environment. In this study, the adsorption of IHP on TiO2 NPs and its impact on their colloidal stability were investigated using batch experiments, dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques, in situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and solid-state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Inorganic orthophosphate (Pi) adsorption was run for comparison. The ratio of the Pi/IHP adsorption density (1.528: 0.453) at pH5.0 suggested that IHP may complex on the TiO2 surface through three of its six phosphate groups. Zeta potential measurements, ATR-FTIR and NMR spectra indicated that IHP/Pi adsorbed onto TiO2 NPs by forming inner-sphere complexes and modified the surface charge of these NPs, which exerted a great impact on their colloidal stability. Interactions between NPs measured by sedimentation and aggregation size highly depended on the pH, surface phosphorus coverage, and surface phosphorus species. The impact of IHP on the aggregation and dispersion of TiO2 NPs was significantly larger than that of Pi, in agreement with the calculation from the DLVO theory. This study highlighted the impact of IHP relative to Pi on the colloidal stability of TiO2 NPs in phosphorus-enriched environments.

A single-step aerosol process for in-situ surface modification of nanoparticles: Preparation of stable aqueous nanoparticle suspensions

HypothesisSurface modification of nanoparticles during aerosol or gas-phase synthesis, followed by direct transfer into liquid media can be used to produce stable water-dispersed nanoparticle suspensions. ExperimentThis work investigates a single-step, aerosol process for in-situ surface-modification of nanoparticles. Previous studies have used a two-step sublimation–condensation mechanism following droplet drying, for surface modification, while the present process uses a liquid precursor containing two solutes, a matrix lipid and a surface modifying agent. A precursor solution in chloroform, of stearic acid lipid, with 4 %w/w of surface-active, physiological molecules [1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-rac-glycerol)-sodium salt (DPPG) or 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy (polyethylene glycol) 2000]-ammonium salt (DPPE-PEG)] was processed in an aerosol reactor at a low gas temperatures. The surface modified nanoparticles were characterized for morphology, surface composition and suspension properties. FindingsSpherical, surface-modified lipid nanoparticles with median mobility diameters in the range of 105–150nm and unimodal size distributions were obtained. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements confirmed the presence of surface-active molecules on external surfaces of modified lipid nanoparticles. Surface modified nanoparticles exhibited improved suspension stability, compared to that of pure lipid nanoparticles for a period of 30days. Lowest aggregation was observed in DPPE-PEG modified nanoparticles from combined electrostatic and steric effects. The study provides a single-step aerosol method for in-situ surface modification of nanoparticles, using minimal amounts of surface active agents, to make stable, aqueous nanoparticle suspensions.

Electrophoretically deposited carbon nanotube spectrally selective solar absorbers

Three types of carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been investigated regarding their suitability as spectrally selective solar thermal absorbers. The CNT coatings were electrophoretically deposited on aluminum substrates using kinetically stable CNT aqueous suspensions, of which two CNT aqueous suspensions (N-CNT and P-CNT suspensions) were prepared as part of this study and the third one (T-CNT suspension) was purchased. The CNT suspension systems are simple and consist of only CNTs, DI water and a cathodic surfactant. Heat treated CNT coatings are visibly uniform. The CNT coating thickness, surface morphology and reflectance of CNT absorbers were characterized by White Light Interferometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Spectrophotometry, respectively. T-CNT absorber achieved a solar absorptance α of 0.79 and a thermal emittance ε of 0.14. N- and P-CNT absorbers achieved better spectral selectivity, with α=0.90 and ε=0.14 for N-CNT absorber, α=0.90 and ε=0.13 for P-CNT absorber. The effect of CNT coating thickness, deposition parameters and peak heat treatment temperature on the spectral selectivity were studied. For these CNT suspension systems, the thickness and the heat treatment peak temperature are the key factors to achieving a good spectral selectivity.

Clay-mediated carbon nanotube dispersion in poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide)

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is the most widely studied temperature-responsive polymer due to its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) near to that of the human body temperature (around 32 °C). Unlike many water-soluble polymers, PNIPAM exhibits little affinity for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT), which is not sufficient for preparing stable aqueous suspensions. The present study makes use of montmorrilonite clay (MMT) to compatibilize SWNT in aqueous PNIPAM solution. The interactions of clay with SWNT and PNIPAM is probed using UV–vis spectroscopy and cryo-TEM of aqueous suspensions. Furthermore, zeta potential measurements and direct visual observation suggests stable dispersion of SWNT in PNIPAM. SEM micrographs show that nanotube dispersion state in the aqueous suspension is preserved to a large extent in the solid nanocomposite films formed with drying. PNIPAM nanocomposite hydrogels, containing clay and SWNT, were also prepared with better SWNT dispersion in the presence of clay. Mechanical measurements show a 96% increase in storage modulus at 25 °C for 0.45 wt% clay and 0.05 wt% SWNT containing hydrogels (as compared to pure PNIPAM hydrogels). This method of employing clay as a dispersing aid for stabilizing nanotubes in PNIPAM solution is expected to be very useful for other polymers that have low affinity for nanotubes and could open up even more applications for nanotube-filled polymeric materials. This method of using clay to disperse carbon nanotubes in PNIPAM will likely be useful for producing mechanically durable and also, electrically conductive, PNIPAM-based hydrogels, sensors and self-cleaning surfaces that should serve to open up more biological applications for nanotube-filled materials.

Fabrication of High-Concentration Aqueous Graphene Suspensions Dispersed by Sodium Lignosulfonate and Its Mechanism

Stable aqueous graphene suspensions (AGSs) with high concentration and little defect were prepared through exfoliating from graphite by sonication with the aid of sodium lignosulfonate (SL). The concentration of AGS (CG) dispersed by the modified SL can reach up to 13.5 g/L at an initial graphite concentration of 200 g/L, which is substantially higher than those reported previously. Four SL fractions with different molecular weight (Mw) and sulfonic acid group prepared by ultrafiltration of a commercial SL were applied to evaluate the dispersing mechanism and the effects of SL molecular structure on the AGS. The maximum concentration of AGS dispersed by the SL fractions increased with the decline of Mw and the ion strength of SL solutions and with the increase of sulfonic acid group. The CG can be further improved through improving the hydrophobicity of SL by either covalent or noncovalent modification. It was found that the CG was proportional to the zeta potentials, which suggested that electrostatic re...

Enhancement of stability of aqueous suspension of alumina nanoparticles by femtosecond laser irradiation

In this work, we report substantially enhanced colloidal stability of aqueous nanoparticle suspensions by ultrashort laser pulse irradiation. A Ti:Sapphire femtosecond laser (wavelength: 800 nm; pulse duration: 50 fs at full width at half maximum) was used to modify the electrochemical properties of nanoparticle suspensions at laser fluences below the particle ablation threshold. The colloidal stability of the suspension was evaluated by zeta potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The DLS results along with the images from transmission electron microscopy revealed that the laser irradiation caused no distinct morphological change to the individual alumina particles, but a substantial portion of the clustered particles was fragmented by the laser pulses, decreasing the apparent size of the suspended particles. Also, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicates that the laser irradiation modified the surface chemistry of the alumina particles. The stabilizing capability of the proposed technique was turned out to be better than that of conventional ultrasonic treatments. The stability of the laser-treated sample with no added surfactant was maintained for up to 30 days, without requiring an additional homogenizing process such as magnetic stirring.

Studies of the Atrazine Aqueous Suspension Stability in the Presence of an Anionic Polymer—Influences of Polymer Molecular Weight and Solution pH

The influence of the molecular weight of sodium salt of styrene/methacrylic acid (SSMA) copolymers and solution pH value (range of 3–11) on the stability of the atrazine suspension was studied. SSMA with different molecular weights was synthesized by emulsion polymerization. Adsorption, zeta potential measurements, microscopy, and suspension stability measurements were carried out. The obtained results indicate that the adsorption of SSMA on the surfaces of atrazine particles decreases with the increase of the molecular weight, and the hydrogen bonding is the main adsorption force. The presence of SSMA improves the stability of the atrazine suspension. The stability of the atrazine suspension decreases with the increase of the molecular weight of SSMA. On the other hand, the stability of the atrazine suspension with SSMA increases firstly and then decreases with the increase in solution pH in the range of 3–11.

Fabrication of conductive polymer nanofibers through SWNT supramolecular functionalization and aqueous solution processing

Polymeric thin films and nanostructured composites with excellent electrical properties are required for the development of advanced optoelectronic devices, flexible electronics, wearable sensors, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Because most polymers available for fabrication are insulating, one of the biggest challenges remains the preparation of inexpensive polymer composites with good electrical conductivity. Among the nanomaterials used to enhance composite performance, single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are ideal due to their unique physical and electrical properties. Yet, a barrier to their widespread application is that they do not readily disperse in solvents traditionally used for polymer processing. In this study, we employed supramolecular functionalization of SWNTs with a conjugated polyelectrolyte as a simple approach to produce stable aqueous nanotube suspensions, that could be effortlessly blended with the polymer poly(ethyleneoxide) (PEO). The homogeneous SWNT:PEO mixtures were used to fabricate conductive thin films and nanofibers with improved conductivities through drop casting and electrospinning. The physical characterization of electrospun nanofibers through Raman spectroscopy and SEM revealed that the SWNTs were uniformly incorporated throughout the composites. The electrical characterization of SWNT:PEO thin films allowed us to assess their conductivity and establish a percolation threshold of 0.1 wt% SWNT. Similarly, measurement of the nanofiber conductivity showed that the electrospinning process improved the contact between nanotube complexes, resulting in conductivities in the S m−1 range with much lower weight loading of SWNTs than their thin film counterparts. The methods reported for the fabrication of conductive nanofibers are simple, inexpensive, and enable SWNT processing in aqueous solutions, and offer great potential for nanofiber use in applications involving flexible electronics, sensing devices, and tissue engineering scaffolds.

Characterization of clay rock samples of a borax ore in relation to their problematical flocculation behavior

Beneficiation process in the Kırka Borax Concentrator in Turkey generates a tailings effluent containing 3–10% solids that are composed mainly of colloidal particles of clay-rock-type gangue minerals and some unrecoverable borax fines. These colloidal particles form very stable aqueous suspensions in the tailings, hindering solid/liquid separation and clean water recovery. This leads to difficulties in the sustainable and environmentally acceptable operation of the concentrator. Flocculation studies on these colloidal suspensions had shown that the particles of the gangue minerals presented significant resistance to destabilization and remained in suspension forming high-turbidity supernatants in settling tests. For this reason, this study was undertaken to characterize the nature of such gangue particles with the intention of understanding the reason for their extreme colloidal stability and poor performance in polyethylene oxide (PEO)-induced flocculation tests. Particle size and zeta potential measurements elucidated the suspension stability with d80≤5μm and ζ-potential≤−70.1mV. XRF and XRD studies showed that the problematical particles were rich in Mg-minerals (dolomite and trioctahedral smectite). A plausible explanation of the insufficient destabilization might be that the surface Mg ions have very high hydration energy and hold the water molecules very tightly by blocking the surface for the polymer adsorption and particle–particle interaction. FTIR spectra indicated the lack of isolated hydroxyl groups on the particle surfaces. Due to this vital drawback, the polymer chains could not be adsorbed through hydrogen bonding mechanism and this highly turbid suspension could not be flocculated.