What is the process of levigation?

Levigation is a process specifically associated with the reduction of the particle size of a solid while using a non-soluble liquid, which helps to separate the fine particles from coarser ones. In this method, the solid substance is mixed with the liquid, which creates a slurry. The finer particles are carried away by the liquid, while the coarser particles settle down, allowing for a more homogeneous and finer powder to be achieved.

This process is particularly beneficial in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications where a fine particle size is crucial for the effectiveness and stability of the final product. By using a non-soluble liquid, levigation maintains the integrity of the solid without dissolving it, which is essential for maintaining the intended properties of the substance being processed.

The other options suggest different techniques for handling solids but do not align with the specific definition of levigation, which focuses on wet grinding with a non-soluble liquid to refine the particle size. Thus, the process distinctly supports achieving a finer and more uniform product crucial in various scientific and industrial applications.