The book by Butt and Kappl is a must have for anyone working
in the field of surface interactions, especially the developments of nano
technologies. The classic work was done to understand colloidal solutions and
their dynamics, often lasting many decades, and also the issue related to van
der Waals forces. The development of the quantum understanding expressed in
London forces as well as the various varieties developed over the past few decades
are both highlighted and detailed in this work.
The first major Chapter is on van der Waals forces and its
derivatives. The authors have a wonderful style combining simple explanations
along with detailed but readily understandable derivations. The clarity of the
work is truly exceptional. One can almost see the Gecko feet adhering to the
walls as they climb!
The Third Chapter details measurement techniques. Again the
authors present the principles employed in a clear and readily understandable
manner and then progress to explain the actual implementation.
They then move through electrostatic forces, capillary
forces, hydrodynamic forces, and inter facial forces. All are explained simply
and then in detail. They continue with such topics as friction and polymers
surface energies.
Although this is presented as a text book it is truly an
exceptional reference work because of both its breath and depth.
My only issue is that perhaps they could have discussed some
of the specific applications to nano materials. Specific materials such as nano
Selenium where one tries to best understand the surface stickiness on the one
hand and the bacteriostatic behavior on the other.
Overall this book is a necessity for anyone working in the
area of intermolecular forces and their impact on adhesion and interaction.
Posts
