Mini-Encyclopedia of Papermaking Wet-End Chemistry
Part Two: Definitions and Concepts

Adsorption

Adsorption means attachment to the outside of something. In the case of aqueous solutions one can consider adsorption of molecules, ions, and colloidal particles onto the surfaces of fibers, fiber fines, and fillers. Except for the special case of chemi-sorption, one does not have to assume that any chemical reaction takes place. Rather, the adsorbate (the thing that is adsorbed) is attracted to the surface by the net effects of electrostatics, London dispersion, and solvent structure (or entropy).

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This page is maintained by Martin hubbe, Associate Professor of Wood and Paper Science, NC State University, m_hubbe@ncsu.edu .