Pronunciation: [pˈɛpta͡ɪz] (IPA) 
Peptize is a verb that means to convert into a fine, suspended state by breaking down the larger particles into smaller ones. The pronunciation of this word is ˈpɛptaɪz. The "p" is pronounced with a puff of air, the "e" is pronounced like the "e" in "bet," the "t" is followed by a long "i" sound, and the "z" is pronounced like the "s" in "rose." The "ize" ending is common in technical/scientific vocabulary and means "to make or cause."
The term "peptize" is a verb that refers to a chemical process in which a solid substance, typically a colloid or a gel, is dispersed or broken down into smaller particles in a liquid medium. This dispersion process is accomplished by the addition of a suitable dispersing agent, known as a peptizing agent.
Peptization involves the alteration of the physical state of the solid particles, transforming them from an agglomerated or aggregated form into a stable, finely dispersed colloidal state. The dispersing agent acts by weakening the attractive forces between the solid particles, thereby facilitating their separation and preventing reaggregation.
This process is commonly used in various scientific and industrial applications, such as in the production of ceramics, catalysts, and pharmaceuticals. It allows for the creation of stable suspensions or sols, which exhibit enhanced properties such as increased stability, improved reactivity, and a larger surface area for interactions with other substances.
The effectiveness of peptization depends on a range of factors, including the nature of the solid material, the properties of the dispersing agent, and the environmental conditions, such as temperature and pH. By carefully controlling these variables, scientists and engineers can achieve desired particle size distributions and optimize the functionality of the resulting colloidal systems.
In summary, peptize refers to the process of dispersing and stabilizing solid substances into smaller colloidal particles using a peptizing agent, leading to the formation of stable suspensions or sols with enhanced properties.
In colloidal chemistry, to transform a gel into a sol, as when dry gelatine is "dissolved" or dispersed in water.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "peptize" is derived from the Greek word "peptein", which means "to digest". The suffix "-ize" is added to denote the action of making something into a state or condition. Therefore, "peptize" refers to the process of causing a substance to become dispersed or colloidal by digestion or by the addition of an appropriate agent.
