KD2350 Surfaces, Colloids and Soft Matter 7.5 credits

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 and their relevance in sustainable development.

Bachelor's degree in engineering or in sciences including 50 credits in chemistry or chemical engineering, English B/6.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• 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.

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

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

Mark Rutland

• 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.

The course has the same content as the course KD2070 Technical Surface Colloid Chemistry.

Only one of the courses KD2350 and KD2070 may be included in the exam.
Overlaps with the course

CK204V Surfaces, Colloids and Soft Matter