flocculation; flocculate

The process of adding an acidic (usually ) substance (flocculant) that gives particles in suspension opposite electrical charges, causing them to attract one another (to flock together)—a disadvantage in a casting slip but a great advantage in a claybody or a decorating slip. Usually only claybodies high in kaolin need to be flocculated by adding 1/2 of 1% (of dry-batch weight) epsom salts. Flocculation also often used to thicken up a glaze to help keep it in suspension and to improve application properties. See deflocculation.