Flocculation, deflocculation, and ions migration in latex suspensions

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2005 Jun 15;286(2):564-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2005.01.034.

Abstract

We have studied the dynamics of the flocculation of poly(styrene-butadiene-acrylic acid) latex suspensions. These suspensions were flocculated by the addition of Ca2+ ions at high concentrations of latex particles. Using diffusing wave spectroscopy and dynamic single light scattering after dilution, we have observed--depending on the pH and on the Ca2+ concentration--several scenarios for flocculation including successive flocculation and deflocculation. This complex behavior reveals that the Ca2+ migration within the shell of the latex is slow in acidic solvent but fast in basic solvent.