Principles of Surface and Colloid Science

Thermodynamics of surface tension, adsorption and interacting surfaces, as well as the relevant experimental approaches.

Capillarity

Electrostatics of interfaces and titration of surface charge

Electrokinetic phenomena

Surface forces: double layer forces, van der Waals forces, steric forces, hydration forces and colloidal stability

Stablising dispersions

Adhesion

Wetting, including superhydrophobicity.

Applications of surface chemistry, with focus on paper industry, flotation and cleaning

Adsorption:  From gases and liquids, including polymers, polyelectrolytes and the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes.  Solution behaviour of polyectrolytes.

Surface modification

Surfcatant properties and association to micelles, vesicles, liquid crystals and biomembranes.

Emulsions, microemulsions and foams.
Gels

The aim of the course is to provide a broad, fundamental basis in surface and colloid chemistry and its applications.
After completing the course, a student should be able to:

• Explain aspects of surface, colloid and soft matter chemistry.
• Apply surface and colloid science on interfacial phenomena.
• Communicate and present surface and colloid science.

The course is delivered via a series of lectures.  Associated with each broader topic area is a tutorial or "övning". In this forum there is the opportunity to ask questions, perform sample questions on the material both as a group and on individual basis.

A series of laboratory exercises reinforce the lecture material and provide experimental experience and analysis and interpretation of data. The labs are performed in small groups with a joint report/presentation.

A lab seminar is held towards the end of the course where the various labs are presented and discussed.

There is no compulsory literature. The recommended text is

Book: Surfactants and Polymers in Aqueous Solution 2^nd edition, Wiley
By: Holmberg, Jönsson,Kronberg,Lindman
This book is available on-line via KTH library (here (Länkar till en externa sida.))

References in textbook 

Other literature

Book: The Colloidal Domain,  2nd edition, Wiley

By: D. Fennel Evans and H. Wennerström

Covers much of the course, specific elements not covered by the previous book are for example

References in textbook (for polyelectrolytes)

Book: Polyelectrolytes and Nanoparticles
By: J. Koetz and S. Kosmella
This book is availably on-line via KTH library (here (Länkar till en externa sida.))

Recommended to read: Chapter 1 and 2

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• LAB1 - Laborations, 2.0 credits, Grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Written exam, 5.5 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Laborations ( LAB1 ) Each laboratory exercise involves a group report

Written exam ( TEN1 ) The exam is marked out of 100. 

Laboratory Work (LAB1; 2 credits)
Examination (TEN1; 5.5 credits)

Final grade will be the same as the grade of the examination.

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.