The influence of the additional surface conductance on the primary electrov
iscous effect has been checked by means of an experimental study. Polystyre
ne latexes and alumina suspensions have been used as the colloidal systems.
Combined electrokinetic techniques have been used to determine zeta -poten
tial and Stern parameters of the systems. The results suggest that this con
ductance mechanism, that takes place into the Stern layer, has a great infl
uence on the primary electroviscous effect. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V.
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