Applications Colloid: Introduction, Properties, Examples, FAQs

A colloid is defined as a heterogeneous mixture in which the minute particles of one substance are dispersed in another substance, which is known as the dispersion medium.

Introduction

The minute particles are generally 1 to 1000 nanometers in diameter, but they remain suspended and do not settle at the bottom of the mixture like sol, aerosol, foam, emulsion, etc., are some types of colloids.

Properties of Colloids

The properties of colloidal are as follows.

1. A colloidal is a heterogeneous mixture.

2. The size of colloidal particles is very small and their particle size ranges between 1-1000 nanometers.

3. Colloidal shows the Tyndall effect which means it scatters the beam of light and shows its path throughout itself.

4. Colloidal don’t settle down when left undisturbed for some time which means colloidal solutions are quite stable.

5. Colloidal cannot be separated by the filtration process.

6. Colloidal can be separated by centrifugation.

7. Mostly colloidal particles show Brownian movement.

Examples of Colloid

1. A colloid is present in fertile soil in the form of clay and humus material and it also plays an important role in the storage and exchange of minerals.

2. Most of the food products which we eat daily are colloids which mostly include dairy products. Cake, bread, milk, cream, butter, ice cream, margarine, fruit juices, whipped cream, etc. are also colloidal.

3. The natural phenomena which we observe like fog, mist, clouds, and rain are considered under colloids in different forms. Even dust and smoke are also colloidal.

4. The blue colour of the sky can also be credited to the suspended dust and water particles in the air that scatter blue light more than any other wavelength. Similarly, seawater is blue, the reason behind this is that the colloidal impurities which are present in it also scatter blue light.

Applications of Colloid

• A colloid is mostly used as a thickening agent in industrial products like lubricants, lotions, toothpaste, coatings, etc.

• In the manufacture of paints and inks, colloids are useful like ball-point pens, the ink used is a gel that is a liquid-solid colloid.

• The suspended impurities contained in the natural water are removed by adding sulfates of aluminium also known as alum and iron which coagulates them.

• Most of the medicines are also colloidal like colloidal gold and calcium are injected into the human body for the vitality of the muscles. Argyrol also known as silver sol is used as an eye lotion. Albumin, Hetastarch, and Dextran are a few other examples of colloids which are used in medicine.

• Colloids are also used in water purification.

• Sewage water contains impurities like dirt, stool, urine etc that are dispersed in water. Therefore, it forms a colloidal system and these can be removed by the electrophoresis process.

• Smoke is also considered under the colloidal system of carbon particles in the air and this can also be purified by electrophoresis.

• Colloids are used in artificial rain as well.

• Rubber is obtained by a colloidal solution which is called latex through coagulation.

• Treatment of the skin of animals to get leather is known as tanning and in the process of tanning, colloids are mostly used.

• Micelles formed in the cleansing action of soaps are mostly colloids.

• It is used in the form of smoke in smoke screens to hide some things in the military.

• Many nanomaterials are also prepared by colloids.

• Colloids are also used in metallurgy during froth floatation.

• Colloids are used in the treatment of hypovolemic patients.

• A silver colloid is also used as a germicidal agent.

• Many colloids are used as anticancer drugs like copper colloids.

• Colloids are also used in the preparation of anti-syphilis antibodies.

• Proteins are colloids that are used in various ways.

• Protein colloids are used for targeted drug delivery.

• Colloids are used as cosmetic ingredients for many cosmetic products.

• Colloids are used as fungicides and pesticides.

• Colloids are also used in plastic surgery of many body parts.

• Colloids are also used in dentistry.

• Colloids are used in wound dressing materials as well.