Investigations of surface forces between gypsum crystals in electrolytic solutions using microcantilevers

This paper introduces a new approach to the study of the interactions betwe en gypsum faces in electrolytic solutions of calcium sulfate. A systematic study with respect to the orientation of crystals, the concentration of the solution, the type of electrolyte, and the duration time of the contact le ads to an improved understanding of both the DLVO theory and the mechanism involved in the development of the ionic correlation force. Using an atomic force microscope, direct local measurement of forces between crystals defi nes the ideal conditions favorable to the adhesion. The most important fact or in crystal coagulation was found to be the effective surface charge of e ach face. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-9606(99)70238-2].