Abstract

In this study the interactions between an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip and a sapphire surface are investigated in the presence and absence of a dispersant, Aluminon, and a binder, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The results showed that attractive interactions are noted in the absence of the dispersant, but that these interactions become repulsive in its presence. Upon addition of binder to the system a weaker attractive interaction, which is preceded by a smaller repulsive interaction, is noted. The results of the AFM work are also compared to rheological studies that have been carried out on alumina dispersions stabilised by the aforementioned materials.