CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY OF FORMULATIONS

Degree course: 
Corso di First cycle degree in CHEMICAL AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
Academic year when starting the degree: 
2021/2022
Year: 
3
Academic year in which the course will be held: 
2023/2024
Course type: 
Supplementary compulsory subjects
Credits: 
6
Period: 
Second semester
Standard lectures hours: 
64
Detail of lecture’s hours: 
Lesson (16 hours), Exercise (48 hours)
Requirements: 

Basic knowledge of general chemistry, organic chemistry and chemistry of polymers

Final Examination: 
Orale

Students will undergo a final oral examnination.

Assessment: 
Voto Finale

TEACHING AIMS
Many of the preparations that the chemical industry provides to consumers are "formulated", ie mixtures of several substances in appropriate percentages, each of which contributes to the overall application performance of the preparation itself. One of the essential requisites for a formulation is to remain stable over time without causing the components to be dismembered, among the molecules of which both attractive forces (of cohesion and adhesion) and repulsive forces are exerted. The mutual compatibility of the components therefore depends on many chemical-physical aspects at both molecular and bulk levels (viscosity, rheology, behavior of the interphase surfaces, etc.). The science of formulations, typically interdisciplinary, is therefore intrinsically complex and is still a beginner. Many of the industrial formulation processes are developed on an empirical basis.
Lessons will be followed by visits to companies operating in the field of formulations (cosmetics, detergents, paints, plastics.)

EXPECTED KNOWLEDGE OUTCOMES
1) Acquisition of knowledge relating to the topics covered in the course program and educational outcomes.
2) Ability to interconnect the acquired knowledge.
3) Ability to apply the acquired knowledge to examples of real situation.

1. Formulations: role in the chemical industry, types and classification.
2. Green chemistry and the 12 principles.
3. Surface tension: curved surfaces, capillarity, vapor pressure, measurement of surface tension, thermodynamics of surfaces.
4. Surfactants: classification, critical micellar concentration, properties of surfactants.
5. Rheology: elasticity, viscosity, parameters that influence viscosity, classification of fluids.
6. Colloidal systems: emulsions: preparation and stability, HLB index, adsorption of surfactants on solids, dispersion and condensation method, electric double layer, concentrated suspensions.
7. Foams: stability, surface forces, stabilization, inhibitors, properties.
8. Detergence: the solubility, parameter of Hildebrand and Hansen, formulation of a detergent, risks and biodegradability, surfactants such as soaps, washing aids, enzymes.

1. Formulations: role in the chemical industry, types and classification.
2. Green chemistry and the 12 principles.
3. Surface tension: curved surfaces, capillarity, vapor pressure, measurement of surface tension, thermodynamics of surfaces.
4. Surfactants: classification, critical micellar concentration, properties of surfactants.
5. Rheology: elasticity, viscosity, parameters that influence viscosity, classification of fluids.
6. Colloidal systems: emulsions: preparation and stability, HLB index, adsorption of surfactants on solids, dispersion and condensation method, electric double layer, concentrated suspensions.
7. Foams: stability, surface forces, stabilization, inhibitors, properties.
8. Detergence: the solubility, parameter of Hildebrand and Hansen, formulation of a detergent, risks and biodegradability, surfactants such as soaps, washing aids, enzymes.

The course will take place partly as classroom lectures (2 CFU, 16 hours), and partly as visits and insights to companies in the sector (4 CFU, 48 hours).

The professor is available to meet the students upon appointment.