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This distinguishes a suspension from a colloid, in which the colloid particles are smaller and do not settle. [2] Colloids and suspensions are different from solution, in which the dissolved substance (solute) does not exist as a solid, and solvent and solute are homogeneously mixed.
Unlike solutions and colloids, if left undisturbed for a prolonged period of time, the suspended particles will settle out of the mixture. Although suspensions are relatively simple to distinguish from solutions and colloids, it may be difficult to distinguish solutions from colloids since the particles dispersed in the medium may be too small ...
Colloids are formed by phase separation, though not all phase separations forms colloids - for example oil and water can form separated layers under gravity rather than remaining as microscopic droplets in suspension. A common form of spontaneous phase separation is termed spinodal decomposition; it is described by the Cahn–Hilliard equation.
Second, they can form a water-in-oil emulsion, in which water is the dispersed phase and oil is the continuous phase. Multiple emulsions are also possible, including a "water-in-oil-in-water" emulsion and an "oil-in-water-in-oil" emulsion. [1] Emulsions, being liquids, do not exhibit a static internal structure.
A dispersant or a dispersing agent is a substance, typically a surfactant, that is added to a suspension of solid or liquid particles in a liquid (such as a colloid or emulsion) to improve the separation of the particles and to prevent their settling or clumping.
A solution to this is using a wetting solution as the liquid vehicle for suspension preparation. [7] Wetting solution increases the dispersal ability of the solid particles by replacing the air film to increase steric hindrance and minimise interactions between solid particles and resulting in a decreased rate of aggregation. [7] [27]
For an emulsion, these are immiscible fluids such as water and oil. For a foam, these are a solid and a fluid, or a liquid and a gas. For a foam, these are a solid and a fluid, or a liquid and a gas. On larger scales both constituents are present in any region of the mixture, and in a well-mixed mixture in the same or only slightly varying ...
A colloid is a mixture in which one substance consisting of microscopically dispersed insoluble particles is suspended throughout another substance. Some definitions specify that the particles must be dispersed in a liquid, [1] while others extend the definition to include substances like aerosols and gels.