Colloidal What to Know

Colloidal refers to tiny particles suspended within another substance without dissolving or settling. These "colloids" have unique properties influenced by the particle size, surface area, and interactions between particles and the surrounding medium. They are found in various everyday products like mayonnaise, paints, gels, and foams. These dispersions often exhibit distinct optical, electrical, and rheological characteristics. Understanding colloids and their behavior is vital in diverse fields from chemistry and materials science to biology and environmental studies.