COAGULATION

Destabilisation of colloid particles by addition of a reactive chemical, called a coagulant. This happens through neutralization of the charges. Coagulation works by bringing in colloidal particles together to form larger sized particles that eventually float or end up precipitating on the surface. Coagulation is mainly improved through the incorporation of electrolytes, which when added to a colloidal solution, takes up ions that are charged oppositely and thus neutralized. The neutral particles then begin to accumulate into larger forms of particles that settle down onto the surface.