50th Anniversary Conference OKINAWA COLLOIDS 2026

Technical Sessions

1. Surfactants and Amphiphilic Materials

Surfactants and amphiphiles play an important role in various aspects of our daily life. This session invites a wide range of topics from basic phenomenon and theory such as synthesis, solution properties and phase behavior to various applications such as solubilization, emulsification, dispersion, supramolecular aggregation, and gels.

2. Molecular Films

This session is focused on the formation, properties, characterization and applications of organized molecular films. The types of molecular films include but are not limited to self-assembled monolayers, Gibbs monolayers, inorganic thin films and multilayers, biological and bioinspired systems, and graphene and carbon materials. Active discussions are also anticipated on the effect of non-equilibria on films, new ways to control and change the physical properties of films, and the proposal of new molecular devices.

3. Soft Matter and Biosystems

Soft matter, such as polymers, liquid crystals, colloids, and biomolecules, are widely used in various fields. In addition, biosystems, in which soft matter cooperates with each other in nonequilibrium, enable living organisms to maintain their biological activities. This session will cover all topics of relevant research focusing on soft matter and biosystems, including physicochemical phenomena, such as phase transitions and self-propulsion, from the viewpoint of fundamentals and applications.

4. Fine Particles, Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials

This session focuses on the latest advances in particles and nanoparticles composed of various materials, such as metals, metal oxides, semiconductors, polymers, carbon-based and organic-based compounds, and more. Presentations cover innovative synthesis methods, characterization of physical and functional properties, and emerging applications across various fields. Active discussions and idea exchanges are expected throughout the session.

5. Dispersion and Aggregation

Colloidal dispersions are fundamental to both natural phenomena and a vast array of industrial processes. Their behavior—governed by complex interactions between particles, ions, polymers, and other species under flow or external fields—gives rise to scientifically rich phenomena. As a cornerstone of materials chemistry, functional colloids are produced at industrial scale, driving innovation in new applications and processing technologies. Furthermore, colloidal architectures are ubiquitous in living systems, and their transport and adsorption are central to environmental science.

This session delves into the dynamics of dispersion and aggregation, including associated phenomena such as particle breakup/re-dispersion, flocculation/coalescence, gelation/phase separation, and microstructure formation. We will explore these processes across spatial and temporal scales—from interfacial microscopic phenomena and particle–particle interactions, through transport and rheology, to bulk behavior and the formation of final particle structures.

6. Solid Surfaces: Wetting, Adsorption, Catalysis, Adhesion, and Electrochemistry

This session covers a broad range of research topics related to solid surfaces, from fundamentals to applications, highlighting advances that enable the creation of new functionalities on solid surfaces. The topics include, but are not limited to, surface wettability, adsorption phenomena and catalytic reactions of molecules and ions on solid surfaces and within pore spaces, synthesis and characterization of porous materials and functional solids, adhesion and tribology at solid interfaces, and electrochemistry at interfaces.

7. General Topics in Colloid and Interface Science