Chemistry of Polymers

Examining the Interplay of Theory and Experiment in Polymer Physical Chemistry

Abstract

A brief examination of some issues of currentinterest in polymer physical chemistry is provided.  Emphasis is placed on topics for which theinterplay of theory and experiment has been particularly fruitful.  The dominant theme is the competition betweenconformational entropy, which resists distortion of the average chaindimensions, and potential interactions between monomers, which can favorspecific conformations or spatial arrangements of chains.  Systems of interest include isolated chains,solutions, melts, mixtures, grafted layers, and copolymers.  Notable features in the dynamics of polymerliquids are also identified.  The articleconcludes with a summary and a discussion of future prospects.