Distributed systems

The theoretical knowledge necessary for understanding, formulating, and implementing dispersed systems will be detailed in this module. The physicochemical principles governing the preparation and stability of solid-liquid and liquid-liquid dispersions will be detailed in accordance with specifications and expected usage properties. The various concepts covered include powder dispersibility, modification of the solid/liquid interface to control zeta potential and colloidal interactions (extended DLVO), and rheology of dispersed systems in relation to the state of dispersion. Liquid-liquid dispersion: emulsification, Winsor's R ratio, formulation using the HLD method, and formulation maps.

Introduction to synthesis techniques in dispersed media: emulsion synthesis of nanoparticles, latex, microcapsules, etc.

CM: 11

TD: 9

• Extract from a particle size analysis the relevant parameters for characterizing a divided solid according to the technique used (microscopy, light scattering, sedimentography, etc.).
• Identify the role of adjuvants (dispersing polymers, surfactants, viscosity-correcting polymers, gelling agents, etc.) used in the various stages of formulating a solid/liquid dispersion.
• Identify the various factors that destabilize dispersions and analyze the rheological behavior of a dispersion in relation to its microscopic state (stable, aggregated, etc.). Implement a rational approach to modifying a formulation in order to limit sedimentation/aggregation phenomena. Distinguish between viscosity-increasing and gelling polymers.
• Formulation of emulsions using the HLD method.
• Various applications will be studied through examples chosen to illustrate the concepts presented, in particular, the development of dispersed precursor systems for ceramic or composite materials, emulsion synthesis of latex and quantum dot nanoparticles and metal nanoparticles, microcapsule development techniques, etc.

Concepts of colloid physical chemistry

Mastery of the principles of physical chemistry of aqueous solutions

Concepts of macromolecular chemistry

Concepts of Synthesis in Solution

100% continuous assessment

This course will cover solid/liquid dispersions and liquid/liquid dispersions:

• Introduction to the concept of equivalent sphere and particle size distribution of divided solids (2 hours)
• Dispersibility of divided solids, role of additives in dispersion formulation, identification of aggregation/flocculation phenomena. Characterization of the dispersion state by rheology (5H)
• Preparation of emulsions using the HLD method, presentation of formulation charts (4 hours)

Examples of applications of distributed systems will be presented in tutorials (9 hours):  

• Formulation of solid-liquid dispersions, with a particular focus on precursors for functional ceramic and composite materials (3H)
• Emulsion formulation, example of formulation charts ((3H))
• Synthesis in emulsions and micellar media (metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, latex, microcapsules, etc.) (3 hours)

Administrative contact(s):

Master's Program in Chemistry Secretariat

https://master-chimie.edu.umontpellier.fr/