deflocculate; deflocculation

Process of adding an alkaline (usually) material (deflocculant) to a suspension, which introduces like electrical charges to all particles, causing them repel one another and remain in suspension. A deflocculated suspension gives flowing consistency with less water content, meaning lower drying shrinkage—especially important in slip-casting. Extremely low percentage of deflocculant additive is needed—1/4 of 1% (of dry-batch weight) soda ash and/or sodium silicate. See flocculation.