Interfacial Engineering and Surface Science Fundamentals

Every system around us, from biological cells to advanced energy storage devices, is governed by the physical and chemical interactions occurring at interfaces. This course provides a clear, comprehensive introduction to interfacial engineering, helping you understand how surfaces behave and how to manipulate them for real-world applications. By studying this text-based guide, you will transition from basic physical chemistry concepts to engineering surfaces for modern technologies. You will gain a solid grasp of surface tension, thermodynamics, wetting phenomena, and colloidal stability, preparing you to solve complex problems in materials science, biotechnology, and chemical processing. What you'll learn: Understand the fundamental thermodynamics of liquid and solid surfaces; Analyze surface tension, contact angles, and wetting behavior on various substrates; Evaluate colloidal stability and the forces governing particle interactions; Explore modern applications including microfluidics and self-assembling monolayers; Design biomimetic and self-cleaning surfaces using engineering principles; Practice solving interfacial transport and adhesion problems through structured written exercises. The course begins with essential definitions of phases and interfaces, gradually building up to thermodynamic models and practical engineering applications. This course is designed for undergraduate students, entry-level engineers, and researchers in chemical engineering, chemistry, or materials science who want to build a strong foundation in surface phenomena. No prior knowledge of advanced interfacial thermodynamics is required. Start reading today to unlock the principles of surface science and master the engineering of interfaces.