Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The course aims to introduce the students to the central terms and methods in colloid and interface chemistry. This includes:

• Colloids, macromolecules, clusters and emulsions 
• Interface and surface tension
• Wetting of surfaces 
• Adsorption at interfaces
• Micelles, foam and bubbles
• Sol-gel processes 
• Electrostatic interaction, double layer and stability of colloids
• Zeta potential
• Scattering techniques
• X-ray methods and electron microscopy techniques.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who have passed the module should be able to

• account for different types of colloids and their stability
• account for adsorption at interfaces
• account for surfactants, wettability and emulsions
• account for different scattering techniques, X-ray methods and electron microscopy
• account for different disciplines in which the theory of colloid and interface science are beneficial for understanding details of products or processes
• explain the importance of size and interparticle forces that result in macroscopic properties of substances
• explain models of colloids and interfaces that can be used for the description and understanding of different colloid systems.

Skills

• apply general theory of colloid science in combination with experimental tools

Competences

• select and apply models to describe different colloidal systems and interfaces
• evaluate which kinds of experimental tools that preferable can be used to enhance the physico-chemical understanding of processes and products

Type of instruction

• Lectures
• Laboratory and theoretical exercises

Extent and expected workload

150 hours

Exam

Exams