What does the term syneresis refer to in relation to alginate?

Syneresis refers to the process where a gel, such as alginate, expels liquid, leading to the separation of water from the gel matrix. In the case of alginate, syneresis typically occurs after the gel has set, which can cause the material to shrink and lose its moisture content over time. This is particularly important in dental and food applications where alginate is used because excessive syneresis can affect the quality and integrity of the final product.

Understanding this aspect of syneresis helps in recognizing how the physical properties of alginate can change and emphasizes the importance of proper storage and handling to minimize moisture loss. The other options—bubble formation, expansion, and foaming—do not accurately describe syneresis, as they pertain to different phenomena related to the behaviors of materials rather than the specific loss of liquid from the gel.