Headings denoted with an asterisk ( * ) is retrieved from the course syllabus version Autumn 2019
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
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
Intended learning outcomes
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.
Learning activities
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.
Preparations before course start
Literature
There is no compulsory literature. The recommended text is
Book: Surfactants and Polymers in Aqueous Solution 2nd 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
Surface Tension
337-340, 342-346, 349-351
Adsorption and surfactants
1-24
Cmc, surfactant structures
39-52, 58-60
Thermodynamics of cmc (interest only)
52,53
Packing parameter
60,61
Surfactant phase behaviour
67-80
Phase diagrams
82-95
Polyoxyethylene and clouding (hard)
99-111
microemulsions
139 (140-147 advanced), 152-154
Intermolecular forces
157-171
Double layer and surface potential
171-174
Surface Forces
175-191
Surfactant Adsorption
357-367, 372-380, 389-391,395-400
Foams
437-442
Emulsions and colloid stability
451-458
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
Kelvin Equation
67 - 69
Capillary Condensation
64 - 66
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
Support for students with disabilities
Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:
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.
The section below is not retrieved from the course syllabus:
Laborations ( LAB1 ) Each laboratory exercise involves a group report
Written exam ( TEN1 ) The exam is marked out of 100.
Other requirements for final grade
Laboratory Work (LAB1; 2 credits) Examination (TEN1; 5.5 credits)
Final grade will be the same as the grade of the examination.
Ethical approach
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.
