Zeta potential is a measure of the magnitude of the electrostatic or charge repulsion/attraction between particles, which is critical in predicting and controlling the stability of colloidal dispersions. It is an essential parameter in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and water treatment, as it influences processes like coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation.
Colloidal dispersion refers to a mixture where one substance is dispersed evenly throughout another at a microscopic level, with particle sizes typically between 1 and 1000 nanometers. These mixtures exhibit unique properties such as the Tyndall effect, stability against sedimentation, and are crucial in various fields including pharmaceuticals, food, and materials science.