# Colloid Stability - DLVO Theory

Interactive visualization of DLVO theory - Explore potential energy curves, double layer repulsion, van der Waals attraction, and colloid stability states

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/visualizations/colloid-stability

- **Category:** Physics

## Overview

Interactive visualization of colloid stability and DLVO theory - Explore potential energy curves, double layer repulsion, van der Waals attraction, Debye length, zeta potential, critical coagulation concentration (CCC), energy barrier, primary and secondary minima, particle interactions, and stabilization mechanisms with adjustable Hamaker constant, particle radius, ionic strength, temperature, pH, and electrolyte type. Features dynamic DLVO potential curves showing V_tot = V_att + V_rep vs separation distance, real-time energy barrier calculation and stability state determination, interactive particle visualization with Brownian motion and double layer structure, Schulze-Hardy rule demonstration for different electrolyte valencies, and preset colloid systems (stable gold sol, latex particles, silver iodide, critical state, coagulated system, polymer bridging). Adjustable parameters: Hamaker constant A (0.1-10 ×10⁻²⁰ J), particle radius R (10-500 nm), zeta potential ζ (0-100 mV), ionic strength I (0.1-100 mM), temperature T (273-373 K), dielectric constant ε_r (1-100), electrolyte type (NaCl, CaCl₂, AlCl₃), and pH level (1-14). Real-time value displays: surface distance H, total potential V_tot, attraction V_att, repulsion V_rep, energy barrier V_max, Debye length κ⁻¹, stability state (stable/metastable/unstable/coagulated), critical coagulation concentration CCC, primary minimum, and secondary minimum. Educational content covers DLVO theory fundamentals (Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek), van der Waals attraction V_att = -AR/(12H), electrical double layer repulsion V_rep = 64πRk_BTρ_∞·exp(-κH), Debye length κ⁻¹ = √(ε_rε_0k_BT/(2e²I)), potential energy curve features (energy barrier, secondary minimum, primary minimum), Schulze-Hardy rule (CCC ∝ 1/z⁶), critical coagulation concentration, stabilization mechanisms (electrostatic, steric, electrosteric), factors affecting colloid stability, and practical applications in nanoparticle synthesis, pharmaceuticals, paints and coatings, water treatment, biological systems, and materials science. Perfect for colloid chemistry education, understanding DLVO theory, and learning about surface chemistry and dispersion stability.

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