Protective action

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009570",
  "term": "Protective action",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The stabilization of a lyophobic sol by the addition of a lyophilic colloid. This phenomenon prevents the coagulation or flocculation of the dispersed phase, maintaining the stability of the colloidal system. The effectiveness of this action is often quantified by the gold number, which indicates the minimum amount of protective colloid needed to prevent a color change in a gold sol upon electrolyte addition.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "colloid",
    "agglomeration",
    "hydrophilic",
    "sol"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1972, 31, 577. 'Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units, Appendix II: Definitions, Terminology and Symbols in Colloid and Surface Chemistry' on page 610 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac197231040577)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/protective-action/"
}