The course is intended to provide an introduction to the so-called “Formulation Technology”, i.e. the part of the production process directly affecting the end-use properties of the final product not necessarily modifying the corresponding production recipe.

To pass the exam the student should:

- know the main principles of formulation technology, colloid chemistry and interface chemistry

- apply colloid and interface chemistry principles to a particular case study

- comment critically results obtained

The course contents are organized into two main parts:

- first part where the major physic-chemical phenomena behind the formulation of a product are discussed. Namely, the key features of the colloidal systems and of the corresponding interfacial properties are presented, with special emphasis on liquid-liquid emulsions, microemulsions and foams, powders and systems involving solid particles. In all cases, main issues related to dispersed systems (preparation, stabilization and rheology) are treated with detail;
- second part where the fundamental principles discussed in the first part are applied to different industrial processes. Namely, the best recipes and operating conditions aimed to control and optimize the following products are thoroughly presented: detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, food and agricultural products. This second part is actually developed through “study cases” in order to provide the students with closer contact with the industrial practice.

In particular the topics are:

-          Colloidal dispersions

-          Tensides

-          Emulsions

-          Foams

-          Click chemistry

-          Hydrogels

-          Suspensions

-          Solid form and instant product 

Knowledge of organic chemistry and transport phenomena

Oral examination with discussion of a report on a particular case study

In this discussion the attention will be focused on the application of formulation technology principles and the critical comment of results obtained.