An additive to disperse a suspension of ingredients in a vehicle so that it has little tendency to settle and has a slower viscosity.
A basic material, such as sodium carbonate or sodium silicate (alkali), used to break up from a flocculated state; to convert into very fine particles; creating a state of colloidal suspension in which the individual particles are separate from one another, this condition being maintained by the attraction of the particles for the dispersing medium; used as an electrolyte to disperse nonmetallic or metallic particles as an aid in the beneficiation of ores.
A substance which disperses fibres and prevents them from entangling in the pulp.
A material such as sodium silicate or sodium carbonate which reduces the amount of water needed to make slip fluid - consequently reducing shrinkage after it is applied to the clay.
A deflocculant is a thinning agent used to reduce viscosity or prevent flocculation; incorrectly called a "dispersant." Most deflocculants are low-molecular weight anionic polymers that neutralize positive charges on clay edges. Examples include polyphosphates, lignosulfonates, quebracho and various water-soluble synthetic polymers.