Particle interactions in kaolinite suspensions and corresponding aggregate structures

The surface charge densities of the silica face surface and the alumina face surface of kaolinite 13 particles, recently determined from surface force measurements using atomic force microscopy, 14 show a distinct dependence on the pH of the system. The silica face was found to be negatively 15 charged at pH > 4, whereas the alumina face surface was found to be positively charged at pH <16 6, and negatively charged at pH > 8. The surface charge densities of the silica face and the 17 alumina face were utilized in this study to determine the interaction energies between different 18 surfaces of kaolinite particles.