There are no strict boundaries on the size of colloidal particles, but they tend to vary between 10-9 m to 10-6 m in size.
Figure 17.22: The Tyndall effect Source: Stock Boston
Figure 17.23: Representation of two colloidal particles
Type of Colloids Dispersing medium Dispersed phase Name Solid Solid sol Liquid Gel Gas Solid foam Sol Emulsion Foam Solid aerosol Aerosol
Aerosols: Man-made: Aerosol sprays, insecticide spray, smog. Natural: Fog, clouds. Solid aerosol: Natural: Smoke, dust. Foam: Man-made: Shaving lather, whipped cream. Emulsions: Man-made: Mayonnaise, cosmetic lotion, lubricants. Natural: Milk. Sols: Man-made: Paint, ink, detergents, rubber (a latex - also occur naturally). Solid foams: Man-made: Marshmallow, styrofoam, insulation, cushioning. Gels: Man-made: Butter, jelly. Solid sols: Man-made: Certain alloys. Natural: Pearl, opal. Biological macromolecules and cells may be considered to be biocolloids and many foods are also colloidal in nature. Colloids are also an important feature of the natural environment.
Colloids in Paint and Food
Cottrel precipitator installed in a smokestack.
Magnetic liquid seal
Surfactant
cmc = critical micelle concentration
Vesicles in Cell