FKD3230 Surfaces, Colloids and Soft Matter 7.5 credits
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Application
For course offering
Autumn 2023 Start 30 Oct 2023 programme students
Application code
51470
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
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
Intended learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to provide a broad, fundamental basis in surface and colloid chemistry and its applications.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in a relevant branch of science – eg materials, chemistry
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- RAP1 - Report, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Written exam, 6.0 credits, grading scale: P, 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.
An examination on the coursework (6 ECTS) will be performed after the course. In addition there will be an individual essay on a subject of interest to the student worth 1.5 ECTS.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- 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.