Physical chemistry of formulations

The aim of the course is to provide the student with the physical chemistry notions useful to interpret the behaviour of formulations, considering both fundamental and applicative aspects. Separate disciplines, in particular of colloid, surface chemistry and process technology, play a role in the formulation of an active ingredient into its commercial form

The program will allow the student to understand the principles of making finished products of a wide range of applications from a blend of different individual ingredients. The lectures are designed to train the student in understanding interactions between polymer, solvent, and surfactant molecules with particles, droplets and surfaces. The acquired skills can be divided into three groups: 1. integrate knowledge of the diverse range of chemistry/physics sub-disciplines (such as colloid science, tenside chemistry, rheology and fluid flow, etc) focusing on the thermodynamical and kinetic aspects of stabilization; 2. define a problem, identify potential alternatives, gather appropriate knowledge and information to formulate and articulate a solution for real industrial cases; 3. think critically and be able to evaluate, design, and conduct research in the formulation field, studying the basic raw materials and their influences on the performance of the finished formulation.