NWNR002370 Colloid and interface science – concepts and applications

Type
course with non-continuous assessment
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Evenäs, Lars , Potthast, Antje
Organisation
Chemistry of Renewable Resources
Offered in
Sommersemester 2026
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

This course provides a concept-oriented treatment of colloid and interface science. The course builds from intermolecular interactions and interfacial thermodynamics to adsorption, self-assembly, transport phenomena, and electrostatic interactions in colloidal systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the electrical double layer, electrokinetic phenomena, and DLVO theory for describing colloidal stability. The course establishes a coherent framework linking molecular-level interactions to macroscopic properties such as wetting, adsorption, diffusion, and stability. Applications to systems such as micelles, polymers, emulsions, suspensions, and foams are discussed.
Course Content
1–2: Intermolecular interactions and interfacial thermodynamics
3–4: Wetting, adhesion, curvature, and capillarity
5–6: Adsorption, surfactants, and micellization
7–8: Diffusion, sedimentation, and polymers in solution
9–11: Electrical double layer, colloidal stability, and electrokinetics
12: Dispersions in practice: emulsions, suspensions, and foams
Previous knowledge expected

Master oder PhD Level
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After completion of the course, participants will be able to relate intermolecular interactions to colloidal behavior, interpret interfacial tension thermodynamically, analyze wetting and capillarity, explain adsorption and micelle formation, describe transport processes, explain the electrical double layer, analyze electrokinetic phenomena, evaluate colloidal stability, and critically analyze their own research project in the context of colloid and interface science.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.