The aim of the course is to provide students with the basic knowledge necessary to understand the main phenomena occurring in heterogeneous finely dispersed systems, and to quantitatively predict and control their dynamics. At the end of the course the student should know the main change mechanisms of a dispersion and be able to select proper methods to control or modify the size distribution and the morphology of a disperse phase.

Students should have a good knowledge of the fundamentals of chemistry, physics, thermodynamics, mathematics.

1: Mechanics and thermodynamics of interfaces (15 h) Surface and interfacial tension, Young-Laplace equation, capillary rise, contact angle and Young's equation; surface tension and stress in solids; Kelvin equation and effect of interfacial curvature on saturation vapor pressure and solubility; dynamic effects on surface tension and contact angle. 2. Structure of the solid-liquid interface and electrical double layer (10 h) Mechanisms of surface charge generation; ion distribution and charge distribution; Z potential and electrokinetic phenomena 3: Surface forces in dispersed systems (10 h) Van der Waals forces; Electrical double layer interaction; Electrostatic stabilisation of colloidal dispersions and DLVO theory; Steric stabilisation; Structural forces; Capillary forces. 4. Evolution of a disperse system (25 h) Particle size, shape, and statistical characterization of a population of particles; Supersaturation as driving force for primary change processes; Nucleation: classical theory of homogeneous nucleation, heterogeneous nucleation; Growth and dissolution; Aggregation-coalescence: kinetics and mechanisms (Brownian, shear flow, turbulent, inertia).

The course is organized in lectures and practical sessions devoted to the solution of simple problems.

Handouts for some aspects of the course are available on the portal. The suggested textbook for the remaining part of the program is J.C. Berg, An Introduction to Interfaces and Colloids: The Bridge to Nanoscience, World Scientific. Other suggested references: H.J. Butt, K. Graf, M. Kappl, Physics and Chemistry of Interfaces, Wiley-VCH. P.C. Hiemenz, R. Rajagopalan, Principles of Colloid and Surface Chemistry, CRC Press. J.W. Mullin, Crystallization, Butterworth.

Exam: Written test; Optional oral exam;

The exam is aimed at ascertaining the knowledge of the subjects listed in the course syllabus and the ability to apply the theory and related calculation methods to practical applications. The normal path for the exam consists of a written test followed by an optional oral discussion. The written part of the test contains short theoretical questions, to ascertain the knowledge of the basic aspects of the subject, and simple numerical problems to verify the ability to quantitatively predict the response of a system. No notes, handouts or books may be kept or consulted during the test. The result of the exam is communicated on the teaching portal, together with the date on which the students can view the test and give the optional oral exam. After the written test, the exam can be concluded (in this case the maximum grade is 27/30) or it can be continued with an additional oral exam, which aims at evaluating in depth the comprehension of the subject and the ability to apply the theoretical results. In the alternative path the written test is replaced by four extended calculation reports, to be carried out during the course. One report is individual, whereas the others are done in small groups. In this case, however, the oral examination is compulsory in order to assess the individual contribution to the reports as well as the knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the course and the ability to apply them. The reports and the oral test contribute equally to the final score.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.