Colloids and Interfaces Colloids are dispersed materials in the size range range 1 mm - 5 nm. Important examples include paints, inks, toners, fibres, latexes, fillers, emulsions and minerals. Biological macromolecules and cells may be considered to be biocolloids and many foods are also colloidal in nature.
Colloids are also an important feature of the natural environment.
A consequence of the small size of colloids is their great interfacial area. A further consequence is that their properties are often greatly influenced by electrostatic interactions. Atomic force microscopy allows characterisation of surface morphology at nanometre resolution, and when used in conjunction with the colloid probe technique enables direct measurement of the interaction between micron-sized particles and interfaces . This can allow prediction of process performance from solution of the fundamental governing equations. Another important feature of the Centre's expertise is the study of physicochemical hydrodynamic phenomena underlying the rheological properties of colloidal dispersions, particularly those occurring in the natural environment.