270109 VO+UE Colloid and Interface Science (2017W)

For the students to familiarise themselves with the fundamentals of colloid and interface science: for example to understand the nature of the various inter-particle forces, how they can be calculated and applied. To understand the origins of surface tension, how surface tension can be modified by the addition of surfactants. To know the nature of the different classes of surfactants, and how they modify the properties of interfaces, be they solid, liquid or gas. Finally an example of how colloidal phenomena are actually applicable in industry namely oil extraction is given.

At the end of the course the students should know:
- significant forces between colloidal particles, how they can be calculated approximately and exactly and how they can be measured
- how to form emulsions and foams and the physical properties required for stable foams and emulsions to form
- how to manipulate the wettability of surfaces
- why surfactants are active at interfaces and be able to choose which type/class of surfactant would be best to use in certain situations, specifically which would be good to form foams, emulsions, as dispersants and good wetting agents, which would be good to destabilise emulsions and foams