Flocculation

Flocculation in polymer science: When the sol is colloidally unstable I.e., the rate of aggregation is not negligible then the sorting of aggregates is called flocculation or coagulation.

Agglomeration apart from in polymer scienceCoagulation apart from in polymer scienceFlocculation except in polymer scienceProcess of contact as well as adhesion whereby dispersed molecules or particles are held together by weak physical interactions ultimately main to phase separation by the ordering of precipitates of larger than colloidal size.

Note 1: Agglomeration is a reversible process. Note 2: The definition proposed here is recommended for distinguishingagglomeration from aggregation.

Note 3: quotation from ref.

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Deflocculation

Deflocculation is the exact opposite of flocculation, also sometimes invited as peptization. Sodium silicate Na₂SiO₃ is a typical example. ordinarily in higher pH ranges together with low ionic strength of solutions and controls of monovalent metal cations the colloidal particles can be dispersed. The additive that prevents the colloids from forming flocs is called a deflocculant. For deflocculation imparted through electrostatic barriers, the efficacy of a deflocculant can be gauged in terms of zeta potential. According to the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Polymers deflocculation is "a state or given of a dispersion of a solid in a liquid in which used to refer to every one of two or more people or things solid particle retains independent and unassociated with adjacent particles much like emulsifier. A deflocculated suspension shows zero or very low yield value".

Deflocculation can be a problem in wastewater treatment plants as it ordinarily causes sludge settling problems and deterioration of the effluent quality.