This book presents (1) a tour through the complex and mesmerizing world of molecular interactions without recourse to complicated theoretical derivations and (2) an attempt to close the existing academia—industry knowledge and expertise gap by providing a pathway to convert complex theories into real products that would be of use to industry and also enhance the quality of life. Various daily use products have their roots in what we know as “Soft Matter”. It caters to a wide audience that will include graduate students, researchers, product designers, and product development engineers and experts from a wide range of industries pharmaceuticals, foods, cosmetics, paints, lubricants among others. Specifically, in one chapter entitled “Applications”, a detailed step-by-step approach has been followed to develop various products with commentaries on the various theories that are being used in its design. Last but not least, the language is kept simple and straightforward for ease of reading.
What is Soft Matter?.- Classical Thermodynamics A Primer.- Interfacial
Physics.- Experimental Methods for Soft Matter Characterization.- Surfactants
and Self-Assembly.-Emulsions.- Hydrogels.- Applications.
Dr. Ashim Kumar Dutta holds a doctorate in colloidal and interfacial chemistry from Jadavpur University (India). He has worked in several academic institutes of repute in Japan, Europe, Canada, and USA for his postdoctoral research before shifting to industry where he worked with Unilever, United Phosphorus Limited, India Glycols Limited to name a few. His research interests include soft-condensed matter, transport phenomena in ultrathin films, membranes and nanosystems, and their applications.
