An authoritative and comprehensive reference relevant to all scientists and engineers in the field. This encyclopedia not only helps chemistry, materials science and physics researchers to understand the principles, but also provides practicing engineers with the necessary information for implementing practical applications, such as Food and agrochemicals Polymers and ceramics Cosmetics and detergents Paints and coatings Pharmaceuticals and drug delivery In addition, the encyclopedia is an important reference for industrial chemists and chemical engineers faced with a multitude of industrial systems of a colloidal nature. As wide as the range of applications that colloid and interface science has is the range of scientific disciplines that contribute to research and development in this field. These encompass chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics as well as nanoscience and nanotechnology. The encyclopedia provides easy-to-digest information for meeting these interdisciplinary challenges. While providing numerous concise definitions of key terms, the encyclopedia also features more than forty in-depth essays on topics ranging from Agrochemical Formulations to Zeta Potential. All entries are cross-referenced and include selected references to original literature as well as synonyms.

This comprehensive reference collects fundamental theories and recent research from a wide range of fields including biology, biochemistry, physics, applied mathematics, and computer, materials, surface, and colloid science-providing key references, tools, and analytical techniques for practical applications in industrial, agricultural, and forensic processes, as well as in the production of natural and synthetic compounds such as foods, minerals, paints, proteins, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and soaps.

Zeta Potential in Colloid Science: Principles and Applications covers the concept of the zeta potential in colloid chemical theory. The book discusses the charge and potential distribution at interfaces; the calculation of the zeta potential; and the experimental techniques used in the measurement of electrokinetic parameters. The text also describes the electroviscous and viscoelectric effects; applications of the zeta potential to areas of colloid science; and the influence of simple inorganic ions or more complex adsorbates on zeta potential. Physical chemists and people involved in the study of colloid science will find the book useful.

General introduction - Definition of nanodispersions (nanosuspensions, nanoemulsions, swollen micelles or microemulsions, liposomes and vesicles) and their size range. General description of their colloid stability. Main advantages of nanodispersions and their industrial applications. Preparation of nanosuspensions by top-up process - Nucleation and growth and control of particle size distribution. Factors determining the formation of narrow particle size distribution. Role of surfactants and polymers. Preparation of nano-polymer colloids (lattices) by emulsion and dispersion polymerization. Factors affects the stability of nanosuspensions. Preparation of nanosuspensions by bottom down process - Dispersion of preformed particles in liquids and the need of a wetting agent. Break-up of aggregates and agglomerates by application of high speed stirrers. Reduction of particle size by application of intense energy (microfluidization or bead milling). Maintenance of the colloid stability of the resulting particles. Reduction of Ostwald ripening. Industrial applications of nanosuspensions - Application in pharmacy to enhance bioavailability, Application in sunscreens for UV protection. Application in paints and coatings. Preparation of nanoemulsions by the use of high pressure homogenisers - Principles of emulsion formation and the role of the emulsifier. Selection of emulsifiers. Methods of emulsification and prevention of coalescence during emulsification. Origin of colloid stability of nanoemulsions. Prevention of Ostwald ripening Low energy methods for nanoemulsion preparation - The phase inversion composition method and the role of mixing the surfactant with oil and water. The phase inversion temperature method for preparation of nanoemulsions. Preparation of nanoemulsions by dilution of microemulsions. Practical examples of nanoemulsions and their industrial application - Nanoemulsions based on non-ionic surfactants and the role of the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. Effect of oil solubility on the stabilityof nanoemulsions. Nanoemulsions based on polymeric surfactants. Applications in pharmacy and cosmetics. Swollen micelles or microemulsionsDefinition of microemulsions and their size range. Thermodynamic definition of microemulstions. Theories of microemulsion formation and stability. Characterisation of microemulsions using scattering, conductivity and NMR rechniques. Formulation of microemulsions and their industrial applications - Distinction between microemulsions and macroemulsions. Formulation of oil/water and water/oil microemulsions. Selection of emulsifiers for microemulsions. Application of microemulsions in tertiary oil recovery. Liposomes and vesicles - Formation of multilamellar lipid layers (liposomes) by dispersion of lipids in water. Formation of unilamellar vesicles by sonication of the liposomes. Factors responsible for stabilisation of liposomes and vesicles. Use of block copolymers to enhance the stability of vesicles. Applications of liposomes and vesicles in pharmacy and cosmetics.

Generating much interest in both academic and scientific circles, Gemini Surfactants gathers the most up-to-date research in gemini surfactantproduction and demonstrates how their propertiesand performance can revolutionize the current industrial application of these surfactants. It surveys the state of special gemini surfactants, including nonionic, zwitterionic, fluorinated, and amino-acid-based surfactants. Gemini Surfactants considers the synthesis, phase behavior, and rheology of gemini and related surfactants and clarifies the adsorption and surface tension behavior of gemini surfactants at air–water, oil–water, and solid–water interfaces. The book also details the physicochemical properties and microstructure of aqueous micellar solutions of gemini surfactants and describes mixed micellization between gemini surfactants and conventional surfactants.