Interfaces in Complex Structures and Devices

Course aim

To provide the student with:

• An insight into the role of interfaces in determining the properties and performance of complex engineered products and devices
• Introduction to thermodynamics of interfaces 
• A knowledge of technologies for modifying interfaces
• Introduction to techniques used for studying interfaces
• Understanding of interfaces in composites materials and how these determine structural performance
• Understanding of role of interfaces in micro-devices and how to tailor to optimise device performance
• Understand the importance of interface science and surface chemistry in nanotechnology

Course content

• The significance of surfaces and surface chemistry in the interaction of materials (including nano- and biomaterials) with their environment and with each other.
• Surfaces and interfaces, surface tension and interfacial tension.
• Surface energy and its increasing significance as the size of materials decreases.
• Surface Thermodynamic, Helmholtz free energy, interfacial energy vs. tension interfacial, Zisman plots, contact angle and Young's equation. Hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity.
• Surfactants and surfactant aggregation. Surface dissociation, surface charge and zeta potential.
• Experimental methods to measure adsorption, contact angles, surface potential and surface forces.
• Techniques for surface analysis.
• Interfaces in Glass Fibre Reinforced Composites.

Textbook(s)

Geoffrey Barnes and Ian Gentle 2011, Interfacial Science: An Introduction, Oxford University Press

Prerequisite(s)

Subject Area & Catalogue Number	Course Name
Group 2
PHYS 2002	Physics of Materials and Technology
Group 1
RENG 1005	Engineering Materials

RENG 1005 Engineering Materials OR PHYS 2002 IT Physics

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, MAWSON LAKES
Lecture	1 hour x 13 weeks
Tutorial	1 hour x 13 weeks
Practical	3 hours x 4 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Essay, Examination

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.