The zeta potential in colloid science is the overall charge a particle acquires in a specific medium.
- The magnitude of the zeta potential gives an indication of the potential stability of the colloidal system
- If all the particles have a large negative or positive zeta potential they will repel each other and there is dispersion stability
- If the particles have low zeta potential values then there is no force to prevent the particles coming together and there is dispersion instability
- A dividing line between stable and unstable aqueous dispersion is generally taken at either +30 or -30mV
- Particles with zeta potentials more positive than +30mV are normally considered stable
- Particles with zeta potentials more negative than -30mV are normally considered stable
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