The floc strength and regrowth properties of TiCl4, FeCl3, and Al-2(SO4)(3) were comparatively evaluated using humic acid-kaolin synthetic water sample. At the given optimum dosage (20 mg/L as Ti, 8 mg/L as Fe, and 2 mg/L as Al, respectively), the floc growth, breakage and regrowth of TiCl4, FeCl3, and Al-2(SO4)(3) were investigated by use of a laser diffraction particle sizing device. Jar tests were conducted to investigate the impact of shear force and breakage period on floc breakage and re-aggregation potential. Results indicated that the responses of flocs to increasing shear force and breakage period depend on the coagulant used. The ability of floc to resist breakage decreased with the increase of shear force. Floc strength properties were also measured in response to increasing shear force, with the results suggesting that the order of floc strength was TiCl4 > FeCl3 > Al-2(SO4)(3). Floc regrowth of these three coagulants after exposure to high shear was limited, and flocs formed by TiCl4 displayed the weakest recoverability. Similar results were obtained when breakage period was different. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.