The effect of two dispersants (Glydol N1055 and kx9009) on high solids content graphite suspensions were characterized by rheological behavior, sedimentation test and zeta potential. Only the Glydol N1055 dispersant was effective for the wettability of graphite, and kx9009 dispersant being superior to Glydol for graphite suspension as a result of a greater zeta potential and lower viscosity or sedimentation behavior. Alumina-zircon-graphite suspensions were prepared using alumina and zircon powders and graphite dispersion. These suspensions had shear-thinning behavior and could be dispersed using the Dolapix CE-64 dispersant (0.5 wt.%) as well as Glydol (4 wt.%) and kx9009 (0.3 wt.%). Graphite dispersions displayed no sedimentation when alumina-zircon powders and Dolapix were added.

Keywords: Graphite, Alumina-zircon suspension, Rheological behavior, Zeta potential, Sedimentation test.