POLYMER AND WATER-QUALITY EFFECTS ON FLOCCULATION OF MONTMORILLONITE

Wyoming Na-montmorillonite (SWy-1) was equilibrated with two synthesized waters, representing Friant-Kern Canal or a typical well water of San Joaquin Valley. Adsorption isotherms and flocculation patterns of the clay with three anionic and one nonionic polyacrylamide polymers and cationic, nonionic and anionic derivatized guar polymers, were observed. Polymer solutions of concentration 0, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 mg L-1. The test tubes were shaken and then periodically photographed to record floc formation and settling. Adsorption was in the general order: cationic > nonionic > anionic with the exception of the nonionic guar which was adsorbed about equally as the cationic polymer. Additional study results are discussed.