This book provides an integrated introduction to the nature, formation and occurrence, stability, propagation, and uses of the most common types of colloidal dispersions — emulsions, foams, and suspensions — employed in the process-related industries. The primary focus is on the application of underlying principles, paying attention to practical processes and problems. This is done both as part of the treatment of the fundamentals, where appropriate, and also in the separate sections devoted to specific industries.

From the Preface: “...The initial emphasis covers basic concepts important to the understanding of most kinds of colloidal dispersions, not just emulsions, foams, and suspensions, and is aimed at providing the necessary framework for understanding the applications. The treatment is integrated: for each major physical property class the principles of colloid and interface science common to each dispersion type are presented first, followed as needed by separate treatments of features unique to emulsions, foams, or suspensions...”

Target Audience: Practicing scientists, engineers, and upper-level students involved with emulsions, foams, or suspensions — or combinations thereof — in process design, industrial production, or in related R & D fields.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Dispersion and Dispersed Species Characterization

Interfacial Energies

Electokinetics

Colloid Stability

Colloid Rheology

Preparation, Inhibition, and Destruction of Dispersions

Introduction to Practical and Industrial Applications

Applications in the Environment

Mining and Mineral Processing Applications

Petroleum Industry Applications

Manufacturing and Materials Science Applications

Food Product and Agricultural Applications

Biological and Medical Applications

Personal Care Product Applications

Emerging Areas in Emulsions, Foams and Suspensions

Glossary of Emulsion, Foam and Suspension Terminology

References

Index