Stability of colloidal systems - a review of the stability measurements methods

<p>The stability of colloidal systems is very important in numerous already existing and new formulations. In most cases if such systems are not characterized by an appropriate stability they can not find any useful applications. The opposite process to the stabilization is the flocculation. Generally, it is undesirable. However, in a few cases the flocculation is very useful, for example in the wastewater treatment. That is why the methods used to determine stabilizing-flocculating properties of the colloidal systems are of significant importance.</p><p>The paper describes types of stability and flocculation as well as the factors influencing those processes, e.g. the addition of polymers or surfactants. The methods presented in this paper are UV-VIS spectrophotometry, turbidimetry, zeta potential and density measurements.</p>