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The Miracles Beyond Liquids: What's the Surprising Difference Between Suspensions and Colloids?
In the world of chemistry, the two concepts of suspension and colloid often appear interchangeably, but there is a quite obvious difference between them. A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture containing solid particles that are large enough to settle, as well as particles in colloids that are relatively small and usually cannot be seen by the naked eye. This article will delve into the differences between the two and reveal their importance in daily life as well as industrial applications.
What is a suspension?
Suspension refers to impurities in a fluid that cannot be dissolved in the liquid but can be suspended in it. The solid particles of this mixture are typically larger than one micron and will settle after sitting for a period of time. For example, the suspension of sand in water is a common example.
Solid particles in suspension are visible under a microscope and will settle over time, forming a precipitate.
Characteristics of colloids
In contrast to a suspension, a colloid is a mixture containing very small solid particles that usually do not settle. The diameter of colloidal particles usually ranges from 1 nanometer to 1 micron. Colloids, such as milk or lotions, are stable mixtures that usually do not separate or settle over time.
The difference between suspension and colloid
The main difference between suspensions and colloids is the size of the particles and their behavior. In a suspension, particles settle over time, whereas in a colloid, particles remain suspended. Suspensions are physically unstable, but their stability can be prolonged by using appropriate suspending agents or mechanical agitation. This makes suspensions particularly important in many industrial applications.
Techniques for generating and using suspensions
In the modern chemical industry, high-shear mixing technology is used to produce many new types of suspensions. These techniques can help ensure that suspensions maintain their properties during storage and transportation. So, how is the physical stability of the suspension monitored?
Multiple light scattering combined with vertical scanning is the most commonly used technique to monitor the dispersion state of a product to detect and quantify instability.
Stability index of suspension
Zeta potential is an important parameter when analyzing the stability of suspensions. This parameter shows the degree of electrostatic repulsion between particles and can affect the stability of the suspension. It is particularly critical for formulators to understand these parameters to ensure product performance during use.
Methods to speed up shelf life prediction
The stabilization process of the suspension can last for months or even years. Therefore, during the new product design process, designers often need to use acceleration methods to shorten development time. The most common acceleration method is to use thermal energy to accelerate the occurrence of unstable processes by increasing the temperature.
While accelerating the unstable process, it is also necessary to carefully consider the final application environment of the product to simulate real usage conditions.
Application examples of suspension
There are many examples of suspensions in life, including muddy water, suspension of flour in water, pickles in vinegar, etc. These suspensions are not only common in homes, but also play an important role in industrial processes.
Conclusion
The difference between suspension and colloid not only affects the design of chemical experiments, but may also affect the final effect and application of the product. With the advancement of science and technology, can we discover more mysteries about these mixtures in the future and achieve greater breakthroughs in manufacturing and application?
