Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 11, 2026

Preparation of Functional Silica Using a Bioinspired Method
Published on: August 1, 2018
Fluidification of Concentrated Aqueous Colloidal Silica Suspensions by Adsorption of Low-Molecular-Weight
1Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie Macromoléculaire, UMR 7615, ESPCI, CNRS, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI), 10, rue Vauquelin, Paris Cedex 05, 75231, France
Abstract:
This paper deals with the effect of different low-molecular-weight poly(ethylene oxide)s on the rheology of concentrated aqueous colloidal silica suspensions (volume fraction >0.2) with the aim of obtaining well-dispersed media. Results are correlated with the physico-chemical characteristics of the systems that govern the ranges of the various operating interactions, i.e., mainly surface coverage, molecular weight of the polymer, and ionic strength of the medium. Optimization of the fluidification occurs to be strongly linked to these parameters. An unexpected effect of free polymer bulk concentration leads to improved fluidification when the characteristic lengths of the system are correctly adjusted; it has been interpreted in the frame of recent theories. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.
Related Concept Videos
The Colloidal State
Colloidal precipitates
Colloids
Coagulation
Solubility
A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of a solvent, the major component, and a solute, the minor component. The physical state of a solution—solid, liquid, or gas—is typically the same as that of the solvent. Solute concentrations are often described with qualitative terms such as dilute (of relatively low concentration) and concentrated (of relatively high concentration).
In a solution, the solute particles (molecules, atoms, and/or ions)...
Colloids and Suspensions

