The aim of this module is to provide a multidisciplinary perspective to Formulation Engineering , sitting at the interface of Engineering, Chemistry and Materials Science. This will contribute connecting students in the School of Engineering and Chemistry with the MIF facilities, Unilever and other companies. The contents are oriented towards formulations (suspensions, emulsions and foams) with particular emphasis in processing and applied rheology. This will link with the automated and high-troughput make and measure facilities in the MIF.

(LO1) On successful completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding on the structure and behaviour of complex fluids.

(LO2) Demonstrate knowledge in colloidal suspensions, how to stabilised them and process them to make 3D structures using different processing techniques.

(LO3) Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge in Newtonian and non-Newtonian rheology.

(LO4) Students will be able to apply this knowledge into different processing techniques with a wide range of applications from food industry, personal care and paints to drug delivery systems and manufacturing.

(LO5) Students will be able to measure and interpretate the results of flow and oscillatory rheology tests.

(S1) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

(S2) Numeracy (application of) manipulation of numbers, general mathematical awareness and its application in practical contexts (e.g. measuring, weighing, estimating and applying formulae)

(S3) Team (group) working respecting others, co-operating, negotiating / persuading, awareness of interdependence with others

(S4) Learning skills online studying and learning effectively in technology-rich environments, formal and informal

Part I: Complex fluids, formulations and processing. Intro: complex fluids? what are they? why are they important? The colloidal state: suspensions, emulsions and foams. Practical examples: ceramics, polymers and 2D materials. Get to know your system: powders and charaterisation techniques. Suspensions: clay as archetype in colloidal processing of ceramics, Link to other 2D colloidals systems. Emulsions: concept, types, stabilisation mechanism, link to applications. Foams: concept, types, stabilisation, link to applications Colloidal stability and surface chemistry: zeta potential. Colloidal stability and interfacial energies: surface area, surface and interfacial tension, contact angle.  Colloidal stability and additives: surfactants, binders, viscosifiers, etc. Part II: Applied rheology. Rheology intro: viscosity and flow behaviours Viscoelasticity: in between ideal liquids and ideal solids (soft solids and gels). How to measure Equipment Link to MIF facilities/kit. Guest lec ture from MIF. Setting up experiments and data interpretation: flow experiments oscillatory rheology. Intro to non-linear viscoelasticity: large amplitude oscillatory rheology (LAOS), interpretation of wave-form and Lissajous plots. Part III: Applications The importance of complex fluids in manufacturing techniques: inkjet, spray coating, direct ink writting, screen printing etc. Link to other modules in the Materials and Manufacturing streams. Applications: ceramic processing, food industry, paints, personal care (toothpaste, shampoos, etc.) etc. Guest lecture from Unilever: An Industry perspective to satisfy customer desire and market trends. Lab work - Case studies. Flow behaviour of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids: comparing water with ketchup, and cornstarch suspensions in water. Viscoelasticity and oscillatory rheology: Structure and viscoelastic fingerprints of different gels and jelly (performing time sweeps) Studying changes in structure with frequency and strain uisng plur onic F127, or alternative nanogels and hydrogels (frequency and amplitude sweeps) Studying changes in structure with temperature: from molten chocolate to frozen chocolate (temperature sweeps).

Teaching Method 1 - Laboratory Work
Description: Flow and Rheology experiments: you will have the chance to test different formulations in every day 9water, ketchup, cornstarch in water and chocolate)
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Lab work will take place in the Materials Innovation Factory. You will have to write up a report with the results and discussion of the experiments (estimated in 10 hours work).
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 10

Teaching Method 2 - Lecture
Description: Interactive lectures with case studies, some of them with guest lecturers from MIF & Unilever.
Attendance Recorded: Yes