Structure formation in aqueous dispersions of detonation nanodiamonds

Abstract

The kinetics of coagulation and sedimentation of aqueous dispersions of detonation nanodiamonds as a function of the indifferent electrolyte concentration and the volume fraction of the solid phase has been studied. It is shown that, in a certain range of volume concentrations of nanodiamond particles, a partial degradation of hydration layers on the particle surface leads to the rapid formation of coagulation structures. The difference in the coagulation rates of the dispersions in the presence of electrolytes is consistent with the different effects of potassium and sodium cations on the structure of water and, accordingly, the hydration layers on the nanodiamond particle surface.