A dispersing agent is a surface-active agent added to a suspending medium to promote uniform and maximum separation of extremely fine solid particles, often of colloidal size. True dispersing agents are polymeric electrolytes (polyphosphates) and lignin (derivatives). In nonaqueous media sterols, lecithin and fatty acids are also dispersing agents.
Applications of dispersing agents are used to suspend fine particles in wet-grinding of pigments and sulphur and the preparation of ceramic glazes, oil well drilling muds, insecticidal mixtures, carbon black in rubber and water insoluble dyes.
