floc

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.F02428
When a
sol
is colloidally
unstable
the formation of aggregates is called
coagulation
or
flocculation
. Some authors distinguish between
coagulation
and
flocculation
, the latter implying the formation of a loose or open
network
which may or may not separate macroscopically. The loose structure formed in this way is called a floc.
Source:
PAC, 1972, 31, 577. (Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units, Appendix II: Definitions, Terminology and Symbols in Colloid and Surface Chemistry) on page 610 [Terms] [Paper]