LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing the course, the students will be able to understand the theoretical background of surface and colloid chemistry, and apply that knowledge in bioproducts engineering. In particular, the students will be able to:
- Understand how surface energy and roughness affect the wettability of surfaces.
- Identify different methods to modify surface properties.
- Understand the fundaments of key surface analysis techniques.
- Interpret the role of surface active components in surface modification, as well as in emulsions and foams.
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nanoparticles.
- Comprehend different surface forces and how they affect the stability of colloidal dispersions.
- Explain how polymers adsorb on surfaces and how they affect the interactions between particles or surfaces.
Credits: 5
Schedule: 03.09.2024 - 10.10.2024
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Juan Valle Delgado
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
This course offers a solid theoretical background on surface and colloid chemistry useful to understand different interfacial phenomena and material modification in any field in general, and in bioproduct engineering in particular. The following topics are included in the course: surface energy, surface tension, adhesion, wetting, adsorption, surface modification, surface analysis techniques, surfactants, polymers, nanoparticles, emulsions, foams, colloidal stability, surface forces (van der Waals forces, electrical double layer repulsion, DLVO theory, forces induced by adsorbed polymers).
Assessment Methods and Criteria
valid for whole curriculum period:
Exam, exercises, and assignments. Everything will contribute to the final grade.
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
5 cr = 135 h
Lectures: 20-26 h
Exercises: 4-8 h
Self-study, including assignments, and studying for exam: 101-111 h
DETAILS
Study Material
valid for whole curriculum period:
The book "G.T. Barnes and I.R. Gently. Interfacial Science (Oxford University Press)", and other material given in the course.
Other recommended books:
B. Kronberg: 'Surface Chemistry of Surfactantas and Polymers' (Whiley).
R.J. Hunter: 'Foundations of Colloid Science' (Oxford University Press).
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
6 Clean Water and Sanitation
7 Affordable and Clean Energy
12 Responsible Production and Consumption
15 Life on Land
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language: English
Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Autumn I
2025-2026 Autumn I