ions.

An intermediate position is occupied by dispersedsystems, in which size of dispersed

particles is larger thanin ordinary solutions. Such systems are called colloidalsolutions or
sols.Suspensions & emulsions contain particles visible under anordinary microscope. Their size
exceeds 100 millimicrons( 0.1 micron ). The heterogeneity of such a system can bedetected by
naked eye.
Stabilization of Colloidal Dispersion :
Stabilization serves to prevent colloids from aggregating.Steric stabilization & electrostatic
stabilization are the twomain mechanisms for colloid stabilization. In a stableColloid, mass of a
dispersed phase is so low that itsbuoyancy or Kinetic energy is too little to overcome
theelectrostatic repulsion between charged layers of thedispersing phase. The charge on the
dispersed particle canbe observed by applying an electric field : all particlesmigrate towards
same electrode possessing same signcharge.
Destabilization of Colloidal Dispersion :
Unstable colloidal dispersions form flocs as the particlesaggregate due to interparticle
attractions. This can beaccomplished by different methods :

Removal of electrostatic barrier that preventsaggregation of particles.

Addition of a charged polymer flocculant. Polymerflocculants can bridge individual colloidal

particles byattractive electrostatic interactions.

Addition of nonadsorbed polymers called depletants.

Physical deformation of the particle (e.g. stretching)may increase van der Waals forces more
thanstabilizing forces (such as electrostatic), resulting incoagulation of colloids at certain
orientations.
Properties of Colloidal Solutions
Tyndall Effect :
Visible scattering of light along the path of a beam of light as it passes through a system
containingdiscontinuities. The Luminous path of beam of light iscalled Tyndall cone. It shows
heterogeneous nature of solution. This effect isnt shown by true solution due tosmall particle
size. Colloidal solution & true solutionare differentiated by this effect.
Brownian Movement :
Zig zag motion of colloidal particles in solution is calledBrownian movement. Colloidal particle
is bombardedby particle of dispersion medium & hence rather thanfollowing straight line path
follows zig zag path.Brownian movement provides stability to colloids as itdoesnt allow the
particle to settle down under theinfluence of gravitational pull.

Colligative property :
Colloidal particles happen to be aggregate. Thenumber of particles in solution is very small & so
allcolligative properties are low & under the conditions onlyosmotic pressure is suitable for
measurement of molarmass.
Applications Of Colloids
(i) Cleansing action of soaps & detergents :
A micelle consists of hydrophobic hydrocarbon likecentral core. The cleansing action of soap
is due to the factthat soap molecules form micelle around the oil droplet insuch a way that
hydrophobic part of the stearate ions is inthe oil droplet & hyrophillic part projects out of the
greasedroplet. Since the polar groups can interact with water,the oil droplet surrounded by
stearate ions is now pulled inwater & removed from the dirty surface. Thus soap helpsin
emulsification & washing away of oils & fats. Thenegatively charged sheath around the
globules preventsthem from coming together & forming aggregates.
(ii)

Purification of water :
The water obtained from natural sources often containssuspended impurities. Alum is added to
such water tocoagulate the suspended impurities & make water fit fordinking purposes.
(iii) Medicines :
Most of the medicines are colloidal in nature. For example argyrols is a silver sol used as an
eye lotion, colloidal
antimony is used in curing kaalazar etc. Colloidalmedicines are more effective because they
have largesurface area & are therefore easily assimilated.
(iv) Photographic plates & films :
Photographic plates & films are prepared by coating anemulsion of the light sensitive bromide
in gelatin overglass plates or celluloid films.
(v) Tanning :
Animal hides are colloidal in nature. When a hide, whichhas positively charged particles, is
soaked in tannin, whichcontains negatively charged colloidal particles , mutualcoagulation
takes place. This results in hardening of leather. This process in termed as tanning.
(vi) Rubber Industry :
Latex is colloidal solution of rubber particles which arenegatively charged. Rubber is obtained
by coagulation of latex.
(vi) Industrial purposes :
Paints, inks, synthetic plastics, rubber, graphite lubricants,cement etc., are all colloidal
solutions.