Some Thermodynamic Properties of Colloidal Dispersions

TL;DR

This paper derives equations to describe the out-of-equilibrium thermodynamics of colloidal dispersions, focusing on surface properties and phenomena like peptization and coalescence.

Contribution

It introduces a new theoretical framework for understanding colloidal thermodynamics based on surface properties and dispersion variables.

Findings

Explicit relations for free enthalpy of dispersion.

Descriptions of peptization and coalescence phenomena.

Theoretical equations for out-of-equilibrium states.

Abstract

In this paper, some equations are derived to describe the out-of-equilibrium thermodynamics of colloidal suspensions. These results are obtained assuming that the properties of the colloids essentially come from their surfaces which are unusually high in comparison to their volume. The dispersion, in the form of a variable, is introduced in such a way as to embody the various changes which could affect those systems. Explicit relations are deduced for the free enthalpy of dispersion which describe two separated phenomena: the peptization/coalescence and the suspension of a colloidal phase.