Nano- and Microtechnology from A - Z: From Nanosystems to Colloids and Interfaces

T

Table Sampling

A method for obtaining a sub-sample of particles from a bulk sample. In this method, particles from a well-mixed sample are made to flow down an inclined surface that has obstacles to divert and control the flow so that the sample is divided over and over again. See also Particle Sampling.

Tacticity

1. Solutions and Dispersions. A tactic system has a regular or symmetric arrangement. Interactions or associations are sometimes referred to as occurring between identical (homotactic) or different (heterotactic) molecules or species in a given system.
2. Surfaces. A tactic surface has a regular or symmetric surface structure. A homotactic surface has a homogeneous surface structure, as opposed to a heterotactic surface, which does not.
3. Polymers. A tactic polymer has a regular or symmetric structure along its backbone. An atactic polymer has its substituents, or side chains, randomly distributed on either side of its backbone. An isotactic polymer has its substituents oriented on the same side of its backbone. A syndiotactic polymer has its substituents regularly alternating on each side of its backbone. See Atactic Polymer.

Tactoid

1. In the destabilization of lyophilic colloids when coacervation occurs, the dispersed phase can initially separate into small, anisotropic droplets having shapes such as cylinders, called tactoids. With concentrated colloids, droplets of dilute colloid can separate out within the concentrated colloid; these droplets are sometimes referred ...