PCC-31806 Advanced Soft Matter

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

PCC-20806 Colloid Science and/or FPH-20306 Food Physics.

Contents:

Soft matter is the study of materials that are neither solid, nor liquid. They are somewhere in between. Examples of such materials can be found everywhere around us: food products, soaps, gels, paints, and almost all biological materials. Characteristic of these materials is that their structure and dynamics at the microscale are dominated by thermal fluctuations. In this course we will show how the balance between these thermal fluctuations and the interactions between molecules can lead to complex structures and mechanical properties at a larger scale. Topics include: (bio)polymers, gels, liquid crystals, polyelectrolytes, phase separation, colloidal interactions, colloidal crystals and glasses, rheology, and interfacial phenomena, such as surface tension, wetting, adsorption, emulsions, and capillary effects.
Special attention will be paid to modern developments in soft matter research and to the relevance for practical areas such as food science and nanotechnology. The course consists of lectures and an experimental research project, on a topic that is closely related to the research in the department. The research project is done in small groups of 2-3 students.

Learning outcomes:

After following this course, students are expected to:
- explain how molecular interactions can lead to structure formation and dynamical phenomena at the mesoscopic scale;
- be able to apply concepts of interfacial science, polymer physics, liquid crystals, and colloidal systems presented in the course to new situations or problems, and also in practical situations;
- be able to read scientific journal papers on soft matter subjects;
- be able to design and carry out experiments on soft matter phenomena;
- have improved communication skills both oral and written.

Activities:

- participate in lectures;
- experimental research project;
- write report;
- oral presentation and self-study.

Examination:

- written exam with open questions (60%);
- report on research project (40%).
Each component needs a minimum mark of 5.5 to pass. Marks for components will remain valid for 3 years.

Literature:

A study guide will be available.
The study material will be announced well before the start of the course.