Colloids are suspensions of tiny particles of one substance dispersed in an other phase. The particles are so small that they remain in suspension for long times despite the effect of gravity.
Many common substances are colloids eg milk, ink, paint, cosmetics, blood, mineral slurries etc.
Despite their widespread use, little is known about their behaviour. New theories are being tested by the staff and students of the group. The main thrust of the research is to exploit special properties of colloids to explore fundamental processes such as glass formation and crystallisation. Light scattering, phase transitions, cryobiology, Phase behaviour of colloidal and molecular fluids. Mr Phil Francis - Snr.