The results of studies of the mechanism of action of sodium polyacrylate on the nucleation and crystal growth for carbonate salts under precipitation-simulating conditions are considered.

Qualitative and quantitative examination of organic additives applied for hydrophobization of potash fertilizers was fulfi lled using the IR Fourier spectroscopy of diffusion refl ection. The results obtained have formed a basis for the development of the technique of measuring weight fractions of organic components added to pot- ash fertilizers of "Belarus'kalii" Joint Stock Company and for the calculation of the metrological characteristics.

The performance of polyacrylic acid of various molecular weights and of its formulations with sodium tripolyphosphate and Na2EDTA as inhibitors of deposit formation and as dispersants was examined.

Specific features of structure formation in dispersed salt systems based on potassium chloride were studied from the standpoint of a relationship between the physicochemical properties of binder reagents, granulation conditions, and grain strength.

Peculiarities of the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes based on cationic and anionic copolymers of acrylamide having different macromolecule charge densities on the surfaces of kaolin particles in highly concentrated salt solution are investigated. The interactions of the copolymers with the clay particle surface and with each other are studied by electrokinetic and IR spectroscopy methods. The rheological properties of kaolin suspensions are investigated in a salt solution in the presence of the polyelectrolytes. The flocculation ability of the polyelectrolytes and their binary mixtures with respect to clay-salt dispersion is estimated. The mechanism for the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes on the surface of clay particles is discussed. It is shown that the complexation of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes on the surfaces of clay particles intensifies the flocculation of clay-salt dispersions.

The interaction between a fibrous alumina filler and a hydrated zirconia matrix during the fabrication of ceramic composites is studied. The influence of the crystal structure and porosity of the filler on the properties of the ZrO2-Al2O3 composite material is investigated. It is found that, as a result of addition of alumina fibers of cubic and monoclinic structures (γ- and θ-phases), the ZrO2 hydrogel interacts with fibers and solid ZrO2 solutions of tetragonal structure are formed. These solutions exist over the range of 600 to 1200°C and, at annealing above 1200°C, due to crystallographic transitions the of γ- and θ-phases, they break down, namely Al2O3 transforms into α-corundum and ZrO2 into a monoclinic modification. However, the material does not fail and a stable porous ceramic composite is formed. To manufacture a composite with improved mechanical characteristics, fibrous alumina fillers with the structure of -corundum must be used.

Colloidal and chemical properties of polymeric complexes based on polyacrylamide and polyvinyl alcohol have been investigated. Several factors affecting water absorption by polymeric complexes have been studied: concentration of initial aqueous polymer solutions; components ratio in the mixture; temperature and duration; sorbed aqueous solutions properties (pH; kind of ions).Macromolecular globules of polyacrylamide in aqueous solutions upon addition of polyvinyl alcohol exhibit interactions of hydroxyl and amide groups. The heat treatment of polycomplexes aqueous solutions leads to formation of cross-linked products (hydrogels) which are not soluble in water and show superabsorbents properties.Variation of conditions of polycomplex formation allows to regulate the properties of the resulting products such as hydrogel strength and the water absorption in wide ranges. This gives us possibilities for optimal use of the hydrogels in function of their specific applications.

The phase transitions of zirconia, prepared by sol-gel method, and its composite mixtures with gamma, theta, alpha-alumina fibres were studied. The formation of the tetragonal solid solutions ZrO2-Al2O3 in temperature range 600-1200 degrees C was established. At thermal treatment over 1200 degrees C solid solutions were decomposed because of structural transitions gamma-, theta-alumina into alpha-corundum, and martensite transition zirconia.

The reaction of lignosulfonates with urea-formaldehyde resin resulting in formation of the polymeric complex has been studied. The possibility to use this complex as a binder during the granulation of phosphogypsum and potassium chloride as well as for the structurization of soils has been shown.