ABSTRACT
A colloid consists of two distinct phases: a continuous phase and a fine dispersed particulate phase. Colloidal solutions consist of polymer molecules dissolved in a liquid. The size of the polymer molecules in solution falls in the colloidal size range, so these systems are considered part of colloid science. Colloids consisting of particles dispersed in a liquid are generally divided into two broad classes: lyophilic colloids and lyophobic colloids. Flocculation is a kinetic process, and the rate at which a colloidal suspension flocculates forms one of its most important characteristics. Steric stabilization is the term used to describe the stabilization of colloidal particles which results from the interaction between uncharged polymer chains adsorbed onto the particle surfaces. An initial step in the colloidal processing of many ceramic powders may involve the removal of hard agglomerates and large particles, if present, from the suspension by sedimentation. The chapter outlines the basic principles of electrostatic, steric, and electrosteric stabilization of colloidal suspensions.
