Difference between revisions of "Colloidal Dispersion"
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Witten [2, p. 113] distinguishes between colloids (solid particles in liquid), emulsions (liquid drops in another liquid), and foams (gas bubbles in a liquid) while Jones [1, p. 1] includes emulsions as a subcategory of colloidal dispersions. One can also find definitions of colloidal dispersions which include other combinations of solid, liquid, and gas phases. | Witten [2, p. 113] distinguishes between colloids (solid particles in liquid), emulsions (liquid drops in another liquid), and foams (gas bubbles in a liquid) while Jones [1, p. 1] includes emulsions as a subcategory of colloidal dispersions. One can also find definitions of colloidal dispersions which include other combinations of solid, liquid, and gas phases. | ||
| − | The particles in a colloidal dispersion | + | The particles in a colloidal dispersion collectively make up the dispersed phase, and the material between the particles is the the continuous phase. |
== Examples == | == Examples == | ||
Revision as of 16:24, 13 September 2009
Definition
Colloidal dispersions are a class of soft materials. The term typically refers to a material consisting of solid particles spread throughout a liquid. According to Jones [1, p. 49], colloidal particles must have dimensions on the order of 10<math>\mu</math>m or smaller.
Witten [2, p. 113] distinguishes between colloids (solid particles in liquid), emulsions (liquid drops in another liquid), and foams (gas bubbles in a liquid) while Jones [1, p. 1] includes emulsions as a subcategory of colloidal dispersions. One can also find definitions of colloidal dispersions which include other combinations of solid, liquid, and gas phases.
The particles in a colloidal dispersion collectively make up the dispersed phase, and the material between the particles is the the continuous phase.
Examples
- Paint
- Ink
- Colloidal Silver
- Mayonnaise
References
[1] R. Jones, "Soft Condensed Matter," Oxford University Press Inc., New York (2002).
[2] T. Witten, "Structured Fluids: Polymers, Colloids, Surfactants," Oxford University Press Inc., New York (2004).
