Tuning particle aggregation in suspensions: from monovalent ions to polyelectrolytes

The present thesis summarizes the research activity of the author in the period of 2010-2017. It focuses on colloidal stability and related interactions between particles in the presence of various aggregating agents. Colloidal particles include functionalized polystyrene latex beads, layered double hydroxide platelets and titanate nanowires. Surface charge characteristics were explored by electrophoresis, aggregation processes were followed in static and dynamic light scattering experiments, while the interparticle forces were measured by atomic force microscopy. Solid state characterization techniques involved transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction and were used to confirm the formation of the inorganic hydroxide and titanate materials. The results are presented according to the type of the aggregating agents