Introduction The World of Neglected Dimensions

The degree of satisfaction one obtains from a given theory is quite subjective, of course, so there exists a great deal of controversy in many areas related to colloids and interfaces. For the surface and colloid scientist (as in all science), such controversy is not bad, since it represents the fuel for continued fundamental and practical research. However, for the practitioner who needs to apply the fruits of fundamental research, such uncertainty can sometimes complicate attempts to solve practical interfacial and colloidal problems. 

TABLE LL Some Common Examples of Surface and Colloidal Phenomena in Industry and Nature 

Products Manufactured as Colloids or Surface Active Materials 

Soaps and detergents (surfactants) Emulsifiers and stabilizers (nonsurfactant) Herbicides and pesticides Fabric Softeners Latex paints Aerosols Foods, (ice cream, butter, mayonnaise, etc.) Cosmetics and topical ointments Pharmaceuticals Inks Lacquers, oil-based paints Oil and gas additives Adhesives 

Lubrication Adhesion Foams Wetting and waterproofing Control of rheological properties Emulsions Emulsion and dispersion polymerization Drilling muds Electrophoretic deposition 

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