[P2-46] Application of DLVO theory to predict dispersion stability of ZrO2 submicron particles in electrolyte solutions
In the manufacturing process of multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCC), electronic components often used in modern mobile phones, dispersion stability of ZrO2 submicron particles can be improved by altering the pH of electrolyte solution. In this study we used the DLVO theory to predict the energy barriers of interaction forces between two ZrO2 particles in various electrolyte solutions at different pH. The electrolyte solutions may be strong basic, weakly acidic, or strong acidic. The distance-dependent potentials of van der Walls force and electrical double layer force were calculated. The calculation results show that weakly acidic solution induces larger energy barrier between ZrO2 particles, because of stronger electrical double layer force. This larger energy barrier can prevent aggregation of ZrO2 particles and lead to dispersion stability.