flocculent

Flocculent is an adjective used to describe something that is fluffy, loose, or capable of forming small, clumped masses called flocs. In materials science and biology, the term can refer to textures that are woolly or cottony, or to growths and sediments that appear as visible, loosely aggregated clusters. As a noun, flocculent can denote a substance that promotes flocculation, though the more common term in technical usage is flocculant.

Flocculation is the process by which fine particles suspended in a liquid come together to form larger aggregates, or flocs, which can be more easily separated by settling or filtration. Flocculants and, in some cases, coagulants assist this process. Flocculants work by bridging particles with polymer chains or by neutralizing surface charges, enabling aggregation. Coagulants destabilize suspended particles, after which flocculants promote growth of the flocs. This combined approach is widely used in drinking water and wastewater treatment, mining, and papermaking.

Common flocculants include polymeric compounds such as polyacrylamide derivatives and inorganic salts like aluminum sulfate or ferric chloride. Selection depends on particle size and charge, pH, and process conditions such as mixing speed and residence time. The term flocculent emphasizes the texture or behavior of the material, whereas flocculant is the standard term for the agent that induces flocculation. Etymology traces to floccus, a tuft of wool.