Extensions to DLVO theory

The classical DLVO theory has limitations in that it has good validity for the particles that are neither Hydrophilic nor Hydrophobic. The recent developments in the experimental methods and instruments (such as AFM) have revealed that these non-DLVO forces play an important role in coagulation and dispersion of particles.

Thus, by adding these forces in the classical DLVO theory, an extended model could be developed.

For spherical particles, G^AB could be written as

Fig. 10.6: Repulsive hydration effect

with,

This extended version has applications in a large number of practical applications which involves polar molecules including biological, membrane-colloid interactions etc.