zawiesinie

Zawiesinie is a Polish term used primarily in chemistry and related sciences to denote a suspension — a heterogeneous mixture in which solid particles are dispersed in a liquid but not dissolved. The normal noun is zawiesina; zawiesinie is the locative or dative singular form, and zawiesiny is the plural. In scientific writing the base term zawiesina is more common, with zawiesinie appearing in phrases such as w zawiesinie.

Definition and composition: A zawiesina consists of solid particles dispersed in a liquid medium. Particles are typically larger than those in a colloid, often exceeding one micrometer. The mixture is unstable over time; without agitation the solids settle, forming a sediment at the bottom. Stability can be enhanced by stirring or by additives (dispersants, flocculants, or surfactants) that prevent particle aggregation.

Properties and behavior: Zawiesiny are usually opaque or turbid. They can be separated by filtration or sedimentation; centrifugation speeds up separation. The settling rate depends on particle size, density difference, and the viscosity of the liquid. The system can be described by sedimentation principles such as Stokes' law under appropriate conditions.

Applications and examples: Zawiesiny are common in mining slurries, cement pastes, paints, pesticides suspensions, and pharmaceutical drug formulations. They are used in environmental engineering for soil and sediment transport and in process technology for handling solids.

Analytical and handling considerations: Measurement of turbidity, particle size distribution, and sedimentation rate are standard assessments. Proper storage and agitation are needed to maintain uniformity; when separation is undesired, stabilizers or mechanical mixing are employed.