Study on the Adsorption Behavior of Polymeric Dispersants to S-ZnF Particles during Grinding Process

Three sodium polyacrylate copolymers PD0x (Poly acrylic acid-co-sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate or PD01; Poly acrylic acid-co-sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or PD02 and Poly methyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid-co-sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or PD03) were synthesized as water-based dispersants for grinding red–brown pigment ZnFe(1.2)Cr(0.8)O(4) particles prepared by the solid phase method (S-ZnF). The particle size distribution, viscosity of suspensions, and adsorption capacity of dispersants were explored by laser particle size analysis, viscometer, and thermogravimetry (TG), respectively. The application of 2 wt.% dispersant PD02 in the S-ZnF suspension ground for 90 min can deliver a finer product with the narrower particle size distribution. The added dispersant PD02 in the grinding process of the S-ZnF particles exhibits a suitable viscosity of the suspension and generates more hydrogen bonds on the S-ZnF particle surface. The sulfonic acid groups (SO(3)(−)) and carboxylic acid groups (-COO(−)) in the dispersant PD02 can also provide a strong charge density, which is favorable for the dispersion and grinding of the S-ZnF particles in the suspensions. Furthermore, the adsorption behavior of polymeric dispersant PD02 adsorbed on the S-ZnF particles surface was simulated and analyzed by adsorption thermodynamic models and adsorption kinetic models. It is indicated that the adsorption thermodynamic behavior of dispersant PD02 adsorbed on the S-ZnF particles surface follows the Langmuir model, and the adsorption process is endothermic and a random process with increased confusion during the grinding process. In addition, the adsorption kinetics of dispersant PD02 adsorbed on the S-ZnF particles surface are more in line with the pseudo-first-order kinetic models. Therefore, the adsorption process of dispersant PD02 on the S-ZnF particles surface can be considered as a single-surface adsorption process.