Comparison of flocculated and deflocculated suspension, Difference between flocculated and deflocculated suspension

Suspension may be flocculated suspension and deflocculated suspension. Flocculated suspension has suspended particles tendency to agglomerate and form loose network-like structures. The rate of sedimentation in flocculated suspension is high but they form loosely packed sediment. These sediments can be easily redispersed after shaking the bottle. Deflocculated suspension or Non-flocculated suspension has suspended particles as a separate entity. The rate of sedimentation is low in deflocculated suspension but they form closely packed sediment called hard cake. It cannot be redispersed.

Comparison of flocculated and deflocculated suspension

• 1. In flocculated Suspension particles are attracted to form flocks. In deflocculated Suspension particles are under repulsive forces.

• 2. In flocculated suspension Particles form loose aggregates and network-like structures. In deflocculated Suspension particles exist as separate entities.

• 3. In flocculated suspension the rate of sedimentation is high. In deflocculated suspension the rate of sedimentation is slow.

• 4. In flocculated suspension sediments are loosely packed to form a loose cake that can be easily redispersed. In deflocculated suspension, sediments are closely packed to form a hard cake that cannot be redispersed.

• 5. Flocculated suspension is not pleasing in appearance. Deflocculated suspension is pleasing in appearance.

• 6. Flocculated suspension particles stick to the wall of the container during sedimentation. Deflocculated suspension particles do not stick to the wall of the container during sedimentation.

• 7. In flocculated suspension supernatant becomes clear after sedimentation. In deflocculated suspension supernatant remains cloudy after sedimentation.

• 8. In flocculated Suspension bioavailability is relatively low than deflocculated Suspension.

Alok Bains