Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the properties of colloids and their importance in industry.

Introduction to the nature of the colloidal state
Particle size and its determination; theory and practice
Determination of zeta potential
Charge and potential distribution: the structure of the electrical double layer;
Interactions between particles: repulsive and attractive forces, DLVO theory; Van der Waals theory and Steric stabilisation
Determination of important properties for colloidal systems, e.g. Osmotic pressure, viscosity, diffusion coefficients;
Coagulation and Flocculation
Small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering
Solid-gas, liquid-gas and liquid-liquid interfaces
Surface tension and wetting
Emulsions, foams and aerosols