Flocculant is a chemical substance commonly used in water treatment and wastewater treatment. Its function is to aggregate small particles (such as suspended solids, colloidal particles, etc.) suspended in water into larger agglomerates for subsequent sedimentation or filtration. The mechanism of action of flocculants mainly includes the following aspects:
Coagulation: The active groups (such as hydroxyl and amino groups) in the flocculant molecules generate electrostatic interactions, adsorption forces, hydrogen bonds, and other forces with the surface of particles in water, adsorbing or wrapping small particles dispersed in water around the flocculant molecules.
Neutralizing charge effect: The functional groups in the flocculant molecules can neutralize the surface charge of charged particles in water, causing them to lose electrostatic repulsion, thereby reducing mutual repulsion between particles and promoting particle aggregation.
Spatial structure effect: Flocculant molecules form certain structures in water, such as polymer chains, bridging structures, etc. Through spatial constraints and the formation of covalent bonds, particles are gathered together to form larger flocs.
Adsorption: Flocculant molecules have certain adsorption properties, which can adsorb colloidal particles and organic substances in water, reduce their concentration, and promote the formation of flocculation.
In summary, flocculants combine small particles suspended in water to form larger flocs through various mechanisms such as coagulation, charge neutralization, spatial structure, and adsorption, thus facilitating subsequent sedimentation, filtration, or other treatment processes. This can effectively remove suspended solids, suspended solids, colloidal particles, etc. in water, and improve water quality.