This invention provides processes for isolating particles from an emulsion including the steps of: (a) forming an emulsion having a solid component having a population of particles, a liquid component, and a first ionic forming compound, wherein the presence of the first ionic forming compound in the emulsion does not result in the coagulation of the population of particles contained therein; (b) obtaining a composition having a second ionic forming compound which, by itself, is not sufficient to result in the coagulation of the population of particles contained in the emulsion; and (c) mixing the emulsion and the composition having the second ionic compound such that the first ionic forming compound reacts with the second ionic forming compound to form a coagulating agent which results in the coagulation of the population of particles. The invention also provides processes for preparing a polymer matrix system using the aforementioned process for isolating particles from an emulsion. In these processes, the plastic matrix system is prepared by adding, to a plastic resin, the emulsion and the composition having the second ionic forming compound, such that the first ionic forming compound reacts with the second ionic forming compound to form a coagulating agent which results in the coagulation of the population of particles.