Fundamentals in Colloid Science

Abstract

The macroscopic behaviour of colloidal suspensions is directly related to the fineness of their particles, but is also affected by the interfacial properties and the interaction between neighbouring particles. Specific effects are encountered for nanosized particles, which weakly interact with light and for which surface curvature is relevant. A profound understanding of the physical phenomena prevailing in colloidal suspensions facilitates their preparation, handling, use and characterisation. This chapter addresses the physico-chemical properties of single colloidal particles as well as the processes at the interface and the structure of the interfacial layer. It further examines the non-viscous interactions that occur between colloidal particles.