Complexing agents (such as phosphonates) play a key role in one of the primary mechanisms behind the deflocculation process: complexation. These chemical substances bind to specific ions (such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, etc.), forming stable complexes. This property allows them to "insulate" metals, making them less reactive or preventing their precipitation.

Chelating agents are marked by the presence of chemical groups capable of donating electrons and binding to metals through coordinated bonds, creating stable structures known as coordination complexes. Once a chelating agent binds to a metal ion, the ion becomes chemically "inactive" and less likely to interact with other substances.

Complexing agents are largely composed of molecules with functional groups formed by negatively charged atoms, such as oxygen or nitrogen. These atoms attract multivalent cations present in milling water and raw materials during storage or residence time in tanks.

By adding complexing agents, multivalent charges are neutralized, and monovalent charges are released, facilitating cation exchange. This increases the distance between particles, creating a deflocculating effect and reducing the fluid's viscosity.

This mechanism enables an increase in the solid content within the suspension.