Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules

Written by a chemical physicist specializing in macromolecular physics, this book brings to life the definitive work of celebrated scientists who combined multidisciplinary perspectives to pioneer the field of polymer science. The author relates firsthand the unique environment that fostered the experimental breakthroughs underlying some of today’s most widely accepted theories, mathematical principles, and models for characterizing macromolecules.

Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules employs the unifying principles of physical chemistry to define the behavior, structure, and intermolecular properties of macromolecules in both solution and bulk states. The text explains the experimental techniques, such as light scattering, and results used to support current theories. Examining both equilibrium and transport properties, the book describes the properties of dilute, semi-dilute, and concentrated polymer solutions, including compressible fluids. It then covers amorphous liquids and glasses, and polymer networks. The final chapters discuss the properties of solutions containing stiff-chain molecules and polyelectrolytes. Topics also include the macromolecular nature of rubber elasticity, viscoelasticity, and the distribution of relaxation times associated with the glass transition.

By explaining the experimental and mathematical basis for the theories and models used to define macromolecular behavior, Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules demonstrates how these techniques and models can be applied to analyze and predict the properties of new polymeric materials.