Electrolyte induced aggregation processes

In chemical engineering and mineral processing the term flocculation is used for aggregation induced by the addition of polymer while coagulation indicates aggregation induced by the addition of electrolyte. 

The process of aggregation is seen to require a low charge on each particle and a collision event. Assuming that electrical repulsion is absent, as a result of pretreatment with electrolyte, then the rate of aggregation depends on Brownian motion. In the assumed absence of velocity gradients, induced by e.g. stirring, we have the case of perikinetic aggregation or flocculation when Brownian motion alone dictates the rate. 

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