Characteristics colloidal particles

Rowell and co-workers [62-64] have developed an electrophoretic fingerprint to uniquely characterize the properties of charged colloidal particles. They present contour diagrams of the electrophoretic mobility as a function of the suspension pH and specific conductance, pX. These fingerprints illustrate anomalies and specific characteristics of the charged colloidal surface. A more sophisticated electroacoustic measurement provides the particle size distribution and potential in a polydisperse suspension. Not limited to dilute suspensions, in this experiment, one characterizes the sonic waves generated by the motion of particles in an alternating electric field. O Brien and co-workers have an excellent review of this technique [65]. 

A colloid is a material that exists ia a finely dispersed state. It is usually a solid particle, but it may be a Hquid droplet or a gas bubble. Typically, coUoids have high surface-area-to-volume ratios, characteristic of matter ia the submicrometer-size range. Matter of this size, from approximately 100 nm to 5 nm, just above atomic dimensions, exhibits physicochemical properties that differ from those of both the constituent atoms or molecules and the macroscopic material. The differences ia composition, stmcture, and iateractions between the surface atoms or molecules and those on the iaterior of the colloidal particle lead to the unique character of finely divided material, specifics of which can be quite diverse (see Flocculating agents). 

Techniques used in bioseparations depend on the nature of the product (i.e., the unique properties and characteristics which provide a handle for the separation), and on its state (i.e., whether soluble or insoluble, intra- or extracellular, etc.). All early isolation and recovery steps remove whole cells, cellular debris, suspended solids, and colloidal particles, concentrate the product, and, in many cases, achieve some degree of purification, all the while maintaining high yield. For intracellular compounds, the initial harvesting of the cells is important... 

The gel point is defined as the point at which the entire solid mass becomes interconnected. The physical characteristics of the gel network depends upon the size of particles and extent of cross-linking prior to gelation. Acid-catalysis leads to a more polymeric form of gel with linear chains as intermediates. Base-catalysis yields colloidal gels where gelation occurs by cross-linking of the colloidal particles. 

With a chapter on particle-particle interaction (coagulation) the characteristics of particles and colloids as chemical reactants are discussed. Since charge, and in turn the surface potential of the colloids is important in coagulation, it is illustrated how in simple cases the modelling of surface complex formation permits the calculation of surface charge and potential. The role of particle-particle interaction in natural water and soil systems and in water technology (coagulation, filtration, flotation) is exemplified. 

Van Loosdrecht et al. (1990) have investigated systematically the adhesion of microorganisms to solid surfaces in aquatic environments and describe the initial adhesion process in terms of a colloid-chemical theory. Obviously, bacteria are not inert colloidal particles. Their cell surfaces and their characteristics can change with alterations in environmental conditions. 

There are some very special characteristics that must be considered as regards colloidal particle behavior size and shape, surface area, and surface charge density. The Brownian motion of particles is a much-studied field. The fractal nature of surface roughness has recently been shown to be of importance (Birdi, 1993). Recent applications have been reported where nanocolloids have been employed. Therefore, some terms are needed to be defined at this stage. The definitions generally employed are as follows. Surface is a term used when one considers the dividing phase between... 

Gardner, W.K. Parbery, D.G. Barber, D.A. (1982) The acquisition of phosphorus by Lu-pinus albus L. I. Some characteristics of the soil/root interface. Plant Soil 68 19-32 Garg, A. Matijevic, E. (1988) Preparation and properties of uniform coated colloidal particles. II. Chromium hydrous oxide on hematite. Langmuir 4 38-44 Garg, A. Matijevic, E. (1988) Preparation and properties of uniform coated colloidal parti-... 

Chemical parameters determine the surface characteristics of the suspended colloids, the concentration of the coagulant and its effects upon the surface properties of the destabilized particles, and the influence of other constituents of the ionic medium upon the coagulant and the colloids. The extent of the chemical and physical interactions between the colloidal phase and the solution phase determines the relative stability of the suspended colloids. One speaks of stable suspensions when all collisions between the colloids induced by Brownian motion or by velocity gradients are completely elastic the colloidal particles continue their... 

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