Question

Define Peptization.

Answer 1

The clay that you use to do things like make pottery is produced through peptization. In some ways we can say that peptization is the opposite of coagulation. Coagulation is the process and action of a liquid for example: blood, changing to a solid or semi-solid state.

Complete step by step answer:
Peptization is also known as Deflocculation. Peptization consists in the breaking of particles so that they form a colloidal solution. It can be defined as the process of converting precipitate into colloidal solution by shaking it in a medium in the presence of the electrolyte. In peptization, colloids formed from the precipitate by the uses of charge. To perform Peptization we need an electrolyte which is known as Peptizing agent. For example, peptizing agents for clay are sodium carbonate, sodium metaphosphates, sodium polyacrylates, sodium hydroxide and other water-soluble sodium compounds.
Peptization is used to obtain liquid dispersed systems from powders or pastes in food-processing technology. It plays an important role in the processes determining the cleansing action, formation, and destruction of various dispersed structures.
The main application of it is in nano-particle synthesis where the large grouping of particles split into primary particles.

Additional Information:
A reddish brown coloured colloidal solution is obtained by adding a small quantity of ferric chloride solution to the freshly precipitated ferric hydroxide.
A precipitate of silver iodide can also be peptized with the help of shaking with a dilute solution of silver nitrate or KI.

Note: Various parameters influencing the peptization efficiency and the particle property were investigated. The efficiency of peptization depends on the gelling conditions. Peptization forms a colloidal solution from the precipitate.