What is the process called where particles come together to form larger clusters?

The process where particles come together to form larger clusters is known as aggregation. This phenomenon occurs when small particles, either in a liquid or a gas, collide and stick together due to various forces such as van der Waals forces, electrostatic attractions, or mechanical stirring. Aggregation can occur in different environments and is significant in various fields, including environmental science, materials science, and biology, as it influences properties like sedimentation rates, stability of colloids, and even the behavior of pollutants in water.

In contrast to aggregation, filtration is a process used to separate solids from liquids or gases using a porous material. Stirring involves the physical movement of liquids to mix components or improve dispersion, rather than causing particles to cluster. Sedimentation is a distinct process where particles settle out of a fluid due to gravity, which is related but does not imply the formation of larger clusters like aggregation does. Therefore, aggregation accurately describes the clustering of particles into larger aggregates.