Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The purpose of the course is to introduce students to colloid chemistry, including the characterization of colloidal particles and a review of the forces that act between colloidal particles.

The module in colloid chemistry contains essential topics such as the liquid state and intermolecular forces, rheology, phase diagrams, surface activity, emulsions, dispersions, micelles and adsorption.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who complete the module must be able to

• explain the intermolecular forces of liquids in relation to the properties of liquids, including surface tension and contact angle
• describe the effect of surfactants used in a complex chemical system
• describe a complex chemical system using phase diagrams, rheological models and theories based on chemical potential (osmotic pressure and Donnan potential)
• explain different types of colloidal systems and their stability
• explain concepts such as the Hamaker constant, the DLVO theory and non-DLVO forces
• describe methods for characterizing colloids

Skills

• involve colloid chemistry in the solution of complex problems and thereby gain new understanding and insight into process and environmental chemistry

Type of instruction

• Lectures
• Exercises (individually and in groups)
• Teacher feedback

Extent and expected workload

150 working hours

Exam

Exams