Examples of colloids

These are just a few of the many examples of colloids, both man-made and naturally occuring.

Aerosols:
Aerosol cans. This image was copied from www.adhesiveworld.com/Aerosols/aerosols.html without permission
Man-made: Aerosol sprays, insecticide spray, smog. Natural: Fog, clouds.
Solid aerosol:
Natural: Smoke, dust.
Foam:
Man-made: Shaving lather, whipped cream.
Milk bottle. This image was copied from website.lineone.net/~alan.c.edwards/mtdairy.html without permission.
Emulsions:
Man-made: Mayonnaise, cosmetic lotion, lubricants. Natural: Milk.
Sols:
Man-made: Paint, ink, detergents, rubber (a latex - also occur naturally).
Jelly in glass. This image was copied from nowlin.css.msu.edu/brian/imag203/jello.html without permission.
Solid foams:
Man-made: Marshmallow, styrofoam, insulation, cushioning.
Gels:
Man-made: Butter, jelly.
Solid sols:
Man-made: Certain alloys. Natural: Pearl, opal.

Biological macromolecules and cells may be considered to be biocolloids and many foods are also colloidal in nature. Colloids are also an important feature of the natural environment.


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