COLLOIDS AND INTERFACES - MOD.1

The course is part of the core educational activities of the Master's Degree in Science and Technology of Bio and Nanomaterials, and it allows the students to acquire the basic knowledge and the understanding of Colloid and Surface chemistry.
The study of the properties of colloids is necessary for understanding the structure and behavior of a wide range of complex systems that are used both in many industrial applications (food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, paints, etc.) and in modern nano-bio -technologies. The aim of the course is a detailed overview on the study of the surface and stability of the colloidal systems.

1. Knowledge and understanding
To know and to be familiar with the theoretical basis and the the properties of a surface and of colloidal systems.

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
Ability to: calculate some structural parameters of the colloid systems by light scattering measurements, calculate the specific surface area from physisorption measurements, select the more suitable surfactants for an emulsion.

3. Judgment skills
Ability to evaluate, in a reasoned manner, experimental results associated to surfaces or colloidal systems.

4. Communication skills
To use in an appropriate way the terminology and the symbolism learnt during the course.
To interact with the teachers and the classmates in a dynamic, effective and proper way,

5. Learning ability
To take notes during classes in a proper way, evidencing the topics according to their importance

The prerequisites of the course are the training objectives of the Physical Chemistry courses. It is necessary for the students to know the theoretical foundations and basic applications of the differential and integral calculus, the kinematics, the dynamics and the physical chemistry, in particular thermodynamics.

The course contents can be summarized as follows:
Colloids and surface chemistry: general aspects. Specific surface area. Sedimentation and diffusion. Solution thermodynamics: Osmotic and Donnan equilibria. Rheology of fluids and dispersions. Static and dynamic light scattering, Surface tension and contact angle. Surfactants. Emulsions. Colloidal structures. Adsorption at gas-solids interfaces.

Lesson notes
P.C Hiemenz and R. Rajagopalan, Principles of Colloid and Surface Chemistry (Marcel Dekker, 1997).J. Lyklema, Fundamentals of Interface and Colloids Science (Academic Press,1991).D. Myers, Surfaces, Interfaces and Colloids (Wiley-VCH,1999).Autori Vari Chimica Fisica dei colloidi e delle interfasi (CLUP 1985).

The exam consists of a written test based on three open questions. The test lasts one hour and half and the use of notes, books and electronic devices is not allowed.

Teaching will be provided through lectures.

English

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion

Accommodation and support services for students with disabilities and students with specific learning impairments:
Ca’ Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding supportservices and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). In the case of disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

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