Page 244 - Introduction to Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Colloid stability 233

Experimental data are generally not in accord with the theoretical
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prediction in equation (8.21) regarding particle size ' ' . For
example, Ottewill and Shaw 204 found no systematic variation in d log
W/d log c for a number of monodispersed carboxylated polystyrene
latex dispersions with the particle radius ranging from 30 nm to
200 nm. This problem still remains unresolved.

Peptisation

Peptisation is a process in which dispersion is achieved (with little or
no agitation) by changing the composition of the dispersion medium.
Methods of peptisation include addition of polyvalent co-ions (e.g.
polyphosphate ions to a negatively charged coagulated dispersion),
addition of surfactants, dilution of the dispersion medium and
dialysis. In each case, V R is modified so as to create a potential
energy maximum (see Figures 8.2-8.4) to act as a barrier against
recoagulation.
Simple consideration of lyophobic sols in terms of their potential
energy of interaction curves does not lead one to expect peptisation,
since any energy barrier to coagulation would involve on the other
side an even greater energy barrier to peptisation. Nevertheless,
peptisation of lyophobic sols is possible, especially when only a short
time is allowed to elapse between coagulation and peptisation.
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There are several possible explanations of this phenomenon ,
1. Both specific adsorption (particularly, solvation) at the particle
surfaces and the difficulty with which dispersion medium flows
from the narrow gap between the particles may hinder particle
approach to the small separation which corresponds to the
primary minimum.
2. Owing to the time lag in the adjustment of potential and/or charge
as particles approach or move away from one another (see page
212), coagulation and peptisation will occur at potentials which
are, respectively, lower than and greater than the equilibrium
potential.
Sedimentation volume and gelation

As the particles of a dispersion usually have a density somewhat
different from that of the dispersion medium, they will tend to