Unit CHEMICAL FORMULATIONS
- Course
- Chemistry
- Study-unit Code
- A000213
- Curriculum
- In all curricula
- Teacher
- Jenny Desantis
- Teachers
-
- Jenny Desantis
- Hours
- 42 ore - Jenny Desantis
- CFU
- 6
- Course Regulation
- Coorte 2022
- Offered
- 2024/25
- Learning activities
- Affine/integrativa
- Area
- Attività formative affini o integrative
- Academic discipline
- CHIM/06
- Type of study-unit
- Opzionale (Optional)
- Type of learning activities
- Attività formativa monodisciplinare
- Language of instruction
- Italian
- Contents
- Formulation Chemistry is a type of science that includes all the activities of the chemical industry aimed at the preparation of specific products ready for a final use. The term “formulation” derives from the fact that to obtain all the desired properties for their use, a high number of components is required, whose targeted dosage is precisely called formula. The formulation chemistry is therefore the study of the research of the right composition of the various ingredients to obtain specialties, which satisfy a particular application or need. The aim is to provide an overview of the formulation chemistry, also called the chemistry of the specialties, through the reminder of basic knowledge, the study of the preparation methods and the main techniques of investigation. A particular objective will be to provide the basic knowledge on the chemistry of colloidal systems, which are often fundamental components for the preparation and technology of formulations.
- Reference texts
- Students can use and / or consult the following texts:
“Formulation Technology: Emulsions, Suspensions, Solid Forms” Hans Mollet, Arnold Grubenmann, Ed. Wiley-VCH (2001).
“Principles of Colloid and Surface Chemistry” Paul C. Hiemenz, Raj Rajagopalan, 3rd Edition, CRC press, Taylor & Francis Group (1997).
“Kirk-Othemer - Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology” J. I. Kroschwitz, M. howe-Grant, Eds., John Wiley & Sons (1996). - Educational objectives
- The course should make the student aware of the importance of chemical specialties, which make up about 50% of Italian chemical production. In consideration of the economic value of the sector, a more scientific and less empirical approach is of fundamental importance. The course should allow the student to acquire the following basic knowledge:
Know the meaning of formulation and the various types of formulation.
Know the importance of formulation science in industrial production.
Know the economic and environmental aspects involved in the realization of a formulation. Know the basic aspects in creating a formulation.
Know the general characteristics of raw materials.
Know the tools and methodologies that underlie the characterization of formulations. Know the importance of the science of colloids and interfaces for the design, implementation and characterization of formulations.
Know the basic principles for preparing an emulsion.
Know the various types of emulsions.
The main skills will be:
Being able to distinguish between a true formulation and a generic mixture.
Being able to understand how physical combinations of peculiar chemicals can confer specific functionality to the preparation.
Be able to use a scientific approach to get information on the mechanism of action of each ingredient in the formulation to achieve the required functionality.
Being able to identify the functional component among the various components of the formulation.
Being able to identify the role played by some ingredients in the composition of the formulation.
Being able to determine which instrumental investigations could be conducted to characterize a formulation.
Being able to know which amphiphilic molecules can in principle provide emulsions.
Being able to distinguish between the various types of emulsions. - Prerequisites
- It would be desirable for the student to have attended and successfully passed at least the courses of chemical content of the first year and second year of the course.
In order to properly follow and learn the contents of the course, in a convenient and profitable manner, the student should possess the following knowledge:
Basic knowledge of organic compounds in terms of functional groups and their chemical behaviour; basic knowledge of physical chemistry. This knowledge is a fundamental prerequisite for the student who intends to follow the course profitably. - Teaching methods
- The course includes only lectures.
Lectures of 2 hours each, held in the classroom, are focused on the basic contents of the chemistry of the specialties and chemistry of colloids and interfaces. During the lessons, when possible, demonstration experiments will be carried out to support the concepts introduced during the lesson to promote the degree of learning.
Attendance at these classes is strongly recommended. - Other information
- The files (pdf), used by the teacher for lessons in the classroom, will be available to all students who take the course.
- Learning verification modality
- The exam is only oral, and will involve the formulation of 4-5 questions within a time frame of 1 h. The test is aimed at ascertaining the ability of the student to use and connect the knowledge acquired in solving a practical problem. The overall assessment of the exam will take into account the following aspects: correctness and adequacy of the answers, ability to elaborate and conceptual connection, mastery and ownership of language. The weight of these three factors in the formulation of the final vote will be in the following ratio 60:30:10 respectively.
- Extended program
- The course is organized in order to provide a basic vision on the formulation chemistry, known also as chemistry of specialities, through an introduction of the basic concepts, the analysis of the preparatory methodologies, and the study of particular applications in some industrial sectors, i.e. pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.
Definition of formulation. Various types of formulations: liquid, gel, aerosol or solid. Function of formulations.
Nature and classification of the components and ingredients of the formulations: active or functional ingredients, auxiliaries, additives, adjuvants, excipients, fillers, sequestrants, anticorrosion agents and so on.
Surface tension. Surfactants: classification and general properties.
Importance of the principles of colloid chemistry and interphases in science and technology of the formulations. The critical micellar concentration, its determination, misuration methods, and dependency from formulations characteristics.
Structural models of micellar aggregates, and definition of the associated structural parameters.
Solubilizing properties, detergents and their applications.
Vesicles and liposomes: structure, properties and applications. The reverse micelles and emulsions: characteristics, properties and applications. HLB system for the classification of emulsions. Formation and stability of an emulsion.
Basic principles, components, and examples of drugs and cosmetics formulations.