Separation of small-particle dispersions by the preferential accumulation in one of two liquid phases, or by static flotation at their interface

Abstract

A thermodynamic model is given for the conditions necessary for colloidal, including biological, particles to partition between two liquid phases or to accumulate at their interface. Separations of cells and viruses have been carried out extensively by other workers. It is hoped that the model can provide a rational basis, at least for separating or partitioning relatively simple particles such as inorganic colloids. Then the complexity of the model and the systems can be increased. On aspect concern phase-separating liquids near their critical or plait point; the ingeneous and neglected work of Brønsted and Warming is outlined as forming part of this complex topic.