what is a collidel system?
In a mixture known as a colloidal system, one material’s particles diffuse throughout another substance but are not dissolved.
Important Points Of Colloidal System:
- The size of the particles in a colloidal system are normally between 1 nanometer and 1 micrometre, which is halfway between the size of a single molecule and that of bigger particles.
- Colloids or colloidal particles are the scattered elements in a colloidal system.
- The substance where the colloidal particles diffuse in is known as the dispersing medium or continuous phase.
- In many branches of research and technology, including biology, chemistry, materials science, and engineering, colloidal systems are vital.
- Foams, emulsions, and suspensions are examples of colloidal systems.
Colloidal System Component
There are two main parts of a colloidal system.
Continuous Phase:
The phase in which the dispersed phase is suspended in a medium known as the continuous phase. It could be a solid, liquid, or gas.
Example Of Continuous Phase:
A gas in a solid, air in foam, and water in oil emulsions are a few examples of continuous phases.
Dispersed Phase:
The particles or colloids that are spread throughout the system make up the dispersed phase. These particles typically range in size from 1 nm to 1 m and can be solid, liquid, or gaseous.
Dispersed phase include
- Protein molecules in blood.
- fat droplets in milk.
- and pigment particles in paint.
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Role Of Stabilizer In Colloidal System:
A colloidal system may additionally include stabilizers, which stop the particles from settling out or aggregating, in addition to the dispersed and continuous phases. In order to preserve the stability of the colloidal dispersion, stabilizers might be introduced to the solution.
FACTOR AFFECTING THE COLLOIDEL SYSTEM:
Colloidal systems can be impacted by a number of factors, including:
Concentration of electrolytes:
The presence of electrolytes can impact a colloidal system’s stability. Depending on the electrolyte and the system, electrolytes can change the surface charge of the particles, and their addition can either stabilise or destabilise the system
Surface charge:
One crucial element that influences the stability of the system is the surface charge of the colloidal particles. opposing charges attract while like charges repel. The particles can therefore oppose one another and continue to be distributed if they have a net charge.
Temperature:
Different colloidal systems are more or less stable at different temperatures, depending on how it affects their structure. For instance, at high temperatures, protein solutions can denature and become unstable.
Particle size:
A colloidal system’s properties are influenced by the size of the particles in the dispersed phase. Due to the higher Brownian motion that prevents them from settling out, smaller particles typically have greater stability.
Effect of pH:
Stability may also be impacted by the pH of the medium in which the colloidal system is disseminated. The surface charge of many colloids is medium-dependent and relies on the pH. The stability of the system can change as a result of pH changes in the surface charge.
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Shear forces:
Colloidal systems’ stability can also be impacted by shear forces like
- Agitation
- Mixing
- or stirring.
High shear forces may cause the particles to collect and settle out, which could make the system unstable.
NOTE:
When working with colloidal systems and building applications for them, these factors should be taken into account.
DIFFERENT FORMS OF COLLOIDEL SYSTEMS
There are various varieties of colloidal systems, such as:
Colloidal suspension:
The term “colloidal suspension” refers to a mixture in which particles are scattered but not dissolved in a liquid or gas medium.
Example of colloidal suspension includes:
- Blood plasma.
Aerosol:
A colloidal system known as an aerosol is one in which either solid or liquid particles are scattered in a gaseous environment. Examples include;
- airborne particles
- smoke
- and fog.
Foam:
In a foam, which is a colloidal system, gas bubbles are scattered throughout a liquid media.it has following examples
- Whipping cream
- shaving cream
- and meringue.
Emulsion:
A colloidal system called an emulsion disperses liquid droplets in a second liquid medium that is immiscible with the first liquid.
For example;
- Emulsions of water and oil, such those seen in mayonnaise and milk.
Gel:
In a gel, a liquid is distributed in a solid media to create a three-dimensional network of connected particles.
Examples includes
- Gelatin, agar, and some cosmetics.
SOL:
Solid particles scattered in a liquid media make up a sol, which is a colloidal system.
Example incudes:
- Blood
- dye
- and mud in water .
NOTE:
Various applications, including food science, cosmetics, and medicines, can benefit from the distinctive characteristics of each type of colloidal system.