Effect of TMAH on rheological behavior of SiC aqueous suspension

Tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) was used as dispersant for SiC aqueous suspension. The effects of dispersant concentration and pH on the rheological behavior of SiC aqueous suspension were studied. TMAH improves dispersion by increasing the negative zeta potential of SiC particles. The recommended amount of TMAH is 0.6 wt.% in order to obtain the minimum viscosity and the maximum negative zeta potential. The optimum dispersion occurs at pH 10. The dispersion mechanism by TMAH is discussed.