Deflocculant

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A deflocculant is an agent for thinning suspensions or slurries. It is used to reduce viscosity or prevent flocculation and is sometimes incorrectly called a "dispersant." Most deflocculants are low-molecular weight anionic polymers that neutralize positive charges on suspended particles, particularly clays and aryl-alkyl derivative of sulfonic acid. Examples include polyphosphates, lignosulfonates, quebracho and various water-soluble synthetic polymers.

Antonym: flocculant