CHAP. 14: DISPERSION SYSTEMS [CONTENTS] 456
Chapter 14
Dispersion systems
Dispersion systems are systems containing at least two phases, with one phase being dispersed
in the other phase in the form of small particles.
14.1 Basic classification
A dispersed phase is referred to as thedispersion ratioordispersion phase. The phase
whose continuity remains preserved is referred to as thedispersion environment. Dispersion
systems may be classified using several criteria:
- State of matter of the dispersion environment and the dispersion phase
- Size of particles of the dispersion phase
- Structure of the dispersion phase.
Classification based on the phases state of matter is summarized in the following table: