Sol (colloid)


A sol is a colloid made out of very small solid particles in a continuous liquid medium. Sols are quite stable and show the Tyndall effect. Examples include blood, pigmented ink, cell fluids, paint, antacids and mud.
Artificial sols may be prepared by dispersion or condensation. Dispersion techniques include grinding solids to colloidal dimensions by ball milling and Bredig's arc method. The stability of sols may be maintained by using dispersing agents.
Sols are commonly used as part of the sol–gel process.
A sol generally has a liquid as the dispersing medium and solid as a dispersed phase.
Properties of a Colloid