The overall aim of the course is to provide an understanding of how surface active agents behave in solution and how this special behavior can be used to stabilize different types of dispersed systems and change the properties of solid surfaces.

Surface chemistry is a key discipline in a broad range of technological fields. Surfactants are often used as tools to control the physical-chemical properties of aqueous formulations. Examples are as diverse as pharmacy, food, cosmetics, detergents, paper-making, paints, etc. Many formulations contain not only surfactants but also surface active polymers. The course gives a description of the underlying physical chemistry of such formulations, with references given to practical examples.  

More specifically, the course will cover

• structure and properties of surfactants and surface active polymers
• association of surfactants
• surfactant liquid crystals
• solution behavior of polymers
• behavior of mixtures of surfactants and of combinations of surfactants and polymers
• behavior of mixtures of surfactants and proteins
• rheology of polymer solutions and of surfactant solutions
• microemulsions and applications of microemulsions
• intermolecular and interparticle interactions
• surface tension
• adsorption of surfactants and polymers at solid surfaces
• foams and foaming
• emulsions and emulsification
• wetting of surfaces
• use of surfactant self-assembly to make nanomaterials  

Date: The course will start with a get-together in the evening of Sunday, August 14, 2011 and continue until lunch on Friday, August 19. Wednesday afternoon is free and can be used for sight-seeing, etc.

Location: The course will be held at Marstrand, an island 45 minutes north of Göteborg.

Course material: The course is based on the book K. Holmberg, B. Jönsson, B. Kronberg and B. Lindman, Surfactants and Polymers in Aqueous Solution, Wiley, Chichester, 2003. All participants will receive the book free of charge.

Lecturers: Professor Björn Lindman and Professor Krister Holmberg will teach the course.

Conference fee: There is no fee for Swedish PhD students and accommodation, breakfasts and lunches are free as well. There will also be a free course dinner.

Credits: 8 ECTS credits are recommended for those who participate actively in the course and who take an exam afterwards. Those who just participate actively are recommended to get 2 ECTS credits.

Registration: To register send an e-mail to Krister Holmberg. The deadline for registration is July 15, 2011. The total number of participants is limited to about 25, and in case the course turns very popular, priority will be given to students that are enrolled in Chalmers Soft Matter Graduate School.