RATE OF COAGULATION OF BROWNIAN PARTICLES IN THE PRESENCE OF A DOUBLE-LAYER

The total interparticle potential is investigated numerically when the repulsive Coulomb electrostatic potential of a double layer is includ ed. A modified stability ratio is presented that takes into account th e effects of both the hydrodynamic interactions and the distribution o f the thermal energies of Brownian particles. Because of the Born repu lsive forces of the electron clouds, the primary coagulation is revers ible, as is the secondary coagulation. In addition to that for Brownia n coagulation, the stability ratio for the case of weak gravitational/ strong Brownian coagulation is obtained. (C) 1997 Academic Press.