5 Current Trends and Future Research Directions
5.1 Advanced Characterization Methods
In contrast to previous research in the field of flocculation, which mostly investigated
the direct interaction between one substrate and one polymer, today we have to deal
with multicomponent mixtures and formulations. Therefore, a direct and efficient
method for the characterization of the sedimentation behavior is necessary. It is
demonstrated that the separation analyzers LUMiFuge and LUMiSizer can be used
for a pre-selection of flocculants [131, 132]. The LUMiSizer is a microprocessorcontrolled analytical centrifuge that allows determination of space- and time-resolved
extinction profiles during the centrifugation of up to 12 samples simultaneously [133].
This multisample analytical batch centrifugation with optical detection proved to be a
versatile tool for the determination of the characteristic material properties related to
the sedimentation and consolidation behavior of dispersions. This was demonstrated
for the sedimentation and consolidation of rigid non-interacting particles and also for
the consolidation of interacting network-forming particles.
Fig. 14 Scheme of complex formation and possible structures: (a) cationic surfactant/PA; (b) PC/PA.
Adapted from [128]
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G. Petzold and S. Schwarz
5.1 Advanced Characterization Methods
In contrast to previous research in the field of flocculation, which mostly investigated
the direct interaction between one substrate and one polymer, today we have to deal
with multicomponent mixtures and formulations. Therefore, a direct and efficient
method for the characterization of the sedimentation behavior is necessary. It is
demonstrated that the separation analyzers LUMiFuge and LUMiSizer can be used
for a pre-selection of flocculants [131, 132]. The LUMiSizer is a microprocessorcontrolled analytical centrifuge that allows determination of space- and time-resolved
extinction profiles during the centrifugation of up to 12 samples simultaneously [133].
This multisample analytical batch centrifugation with optical detection proved to be a
versatile tool for the determination of the characteristic material properties related to
the sedimentation and consolidation behavior of dispersions. This was demonstrated
for the sedimentation and consolidation of rigid non-interacting particles and also for
the consolidation of interacting network-forming particles.
Fig. 14 Scheme of complex formation and possible structures: (a) cationic surfactant/PA; (b) PC/PA.
Adapted from [128]
56
G. Petzold and S. Schwarz