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The colloid¶s stability is defined by the time that particles take to floc or make
heaps. We can modify the time that particles take to floc by defining their electrical
nature. There are two kind of chemical bondings primary and secondary ones, in
this case we are involved with secondary bondings, this bondings are weaker than
the primary ones, so we can change their electrical properties.

When a Colloid is stabilized, both phases (dispersed and continuous) repulse each
other by electrical forces, this is a property that lays on Coulomb¶s Law, and I think
is a very interesting physical phenomena, because we are able to use it and apply
it in everyday life issues.

The colloid¶s unstabilization can be accomplished by some methods, one of them

is to remove the electrostatic barrier that prevents the flocking of particles, this is
possible by adding some substance that changes or neutralizes the surface charge
of the particles in suspension or changing the ph of the suspension. Other method
is by flocculating the particles, this means particles interact with a substance that
aggregates them, particles become heavier and after precipitation is visible.

The behavior of the colloid can be measured by an electrical potential called Z-

potential , this allows to know the stability of the colloid.

A colloid can also be separated by other methods, this methods involve:

-Equivalent diameter: this means we have to use statistical tools to find a standard
measure of the particle¶s diameter, this can also be considered in monosized,
polisized, and pausizised.
- Proyected Area Diameter: this method can be described as it follows. We can
take various pictures to the colloid and find one neat picture of a particle and make
some scale to the picture and measure the diameter.

-Aerodynamic diameter: this is a physical unitary property which depend on

density, used in irregular particles, using the terminal settling ( speed of settling) of
particles.

-Mechanic Diameter: this a very used method, because it allows to separate

particles from the colloid by mechanical methods, collision or adherence, using
special tissues.

Now I understand a little bit more about colloids, this chemical species are very
interesting and this makes me want more information about them, I find this
methods very useful.