Colloid & Interface Science Group

Colloid and Interface Science is an important area of knowledge which underpins a very wide variety of both fundamental and applied science.  

Colloids include a variety of complex materials, eg liquids in liquids (emulsions), solids in liquids (dispersions), liquids in gases (aerosols or foams), solid dispersions and biosystems, where the interactions between phases and at interfaces are dominant aspects of the system’s behaviour. Recently, the basic science of this area has been critical in understanding and exploiting many aspects of nanotechnology.

Colloid and formulation science is a critical capability in industrial design and manufacture of just about any chemical and many bio-industry “finished” products, eg: medicines and biocides; foods; personal care and household care products; ceramics and composites; paints and coatings to name just a few. 

The Group organises three or four short conferences each year. In recent years, to present a more coherent front for colloid science, particularly in the UK, the committee now meets regularly with that of its sister group in the SCI, and all meetings of either group are now co-sponsored. 

The Group is keen to attract young scientists in this increasingly interdisciplinary area of science. One recent initiative is the creation of a new award, the McBain Medal, named in honour of James W McBain, the first Leverhulme Professor of Physical Chemistry, who discovered the association of surfactant molecules in solution above the critical micelle concentration. 

This award recognizes the contribution of scientists in the earlier stages of their career, who have made a meritorious contribution to colloid and interface science. It is open to practitioners not only in traditional aspects of the field but also to those applying colloid and interface science in areas such as physics, engineering, biological, medical, formulation, polymer, ‘nano’ and ‘soft matter’ science.