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Dr. Dmitri Kopeliovich
Colloids are micro-heterogeneous dispersed systems, in which the size of the dispersed phase particles is within the range 1 - 1000 nm (4*10-8 - 4*10-5 inch).
The colloids phases (dispersion medium and dispersed phase) can not be separated under gravity, centrifugal or other forces.
Dispersed phase of colloids may be separated from the dispersion medium by micro-filtration.
Colloids are characterized by Tyndell effect - light is scattered when passing a colloid due to the similar dimensions of the light wavelength and the sizes of the colloidal dispersed particles.
Tyndell effect allows to differentiate colloids from Molecular dispersion (true solutions} and Coarse dispersions (suspensions) having dispersed particles either much smaller or much larger than the light wavelength.
Total interface area of the colloidal dispersed particles is very large due to their submicroscopic size.
The huge area-to-volume ratio determines specific properties and behavior of colloids.
Adsorption processes occurring on the interface between the dispersed and continuous phases exert considerable effect on the colloid physical properties, chemical reactions in the system and its stability.
Surface active substances added to a colloid modify its properties.
Classification of colloids:
| Dispersed phase | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous phase | Solid | Liquid | Gas | |
| Solid | solid sol | solid emulsion | solid foam | |
| Liquid | sol, gel | emulsion | foam | |
| Gas | smoke | aerosol | - | |
The examples of colloids:
