Renormalization Group Theory Of Macromolecules

Studies theory and application of long wave-length properties of polymers. Utilizes statistical mechanics and employs simple models in developing predictive statistical mechanical theories of polymers, which are of great practical interest in technological applications and in understanding the biological use of polymer molecules. Topics covered include configurational statistics of polymer chains, functional integration, flexible polymer chains, the excluded volume problem, scaling theory, renormalization group description of polymer extended volume, use of perturbation and epsilon-expansions in renormalization group treatment of polymers, and much more.

Schäfer gives a concise overview of the static equilibrium properties of polymer solutions. In the first part diagrammatic perturbation theory is derived from scratch. The second part illustrates the basic ideas of the renormalization group (RG). The crucial role of dilation invariance is stressed. The more efficient method of dimensional regularization and minimal subtractions is worked out in part three. The fourth part contains a unified evaluation of the theory to the one loop level. All the important experimental quantities are discussed in detail, and the results are compared extensively to experiment. Empirical methods of data analysis are critically discussed. The final (fifth) part is devoted to extensions of theory. The first three parts of this book may serve as the basis of a course. Parts four and five are hoped to be useful for detailed quantitative evaluations of experiments.

A clear and intuitive introduction to the physics of charged macromolecules, from fundamentals to the latest research developments.

Integrating coverage of polymers and biological macromolecules into a single text, Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules is carefully structured to provide a clear and consistent resource for beginners and professionals alike. The basic knowledge of both biophysical and physical polymer chemistry is covered, along with important terms, basic structural properties and relationships. This book includes end of chapter problems and references, and also: Enables users to improve basic knowledge of biophysical chemistry and physical polymer chemistry. Explores fully the principles of macromolecular chemistry, methods for determining molecular weight and configuration of molecules, the structure of macromolecules, and their separations.

This book provides a pedagogical introduction to the theoretical and computer simulation techniques that are useful in the design of polymer formulations including personal care products, multiphase plastic materials, processed foods, and colloidal and nanoparticle dispersions. The book serves to unify previous work in a common language and provides a balanced treatment of analytical theory and numerical techniques, including an introduction to the exciting new field offield-theoretic polymer simulations - the direct numerical simulation of field theory models of meso-structured polymer melts, solutions, and dispersions.

An introduction concerning the synthesis, structure and properties of the individual molecules constituting polymeric materials.

This text presents an introduction to the field of statistical physics of macromolecules, from the basic concepts to modern achievements. Applications in various fields of polymer physical chemistry and molecular biophysics are also covered, as are: the fundamentals of statistical theory of polymer solutions and melts; classical, sealing and renormalization group approaches; the main ideas of statistical theories of polymer liquid crystals, polymer networks and polyelectrolytes; dynamic viscoelastic behavior of polymer systems; models of house, Zimm and reptation concepts; and specific features of main biopolymers - DNA and proteins. This English edition also includes sections describing the most important recent advances such as: statistical theory of DNA gel-electrophoresis, polymers at interfaces, and dynamics of concentrated solutions of rigid polymers.

The progress in polymer science is revealed in the chapters of Polymer Science: A Comprehensive Reference, Ten Volume Set. In Volume 1, this is reflected in the improved understanding of the properties of polymers in solution, in bulk and in confined situations such as in thin films. Volume 2 addresses new characterization techniques, such as high resolution optical microscopy, scanning probe microscopy and other procedures for surface and interface characterization. Volume 3 presents the great progress achieved in precise synthetic polymerization techniques for vinyl monomers to control macromolecular architecture: the development of metallocene and post-metallocene catalysis for olefin polymerization, new ionic polymerization procedures, and atom transfer radical polymerization, nitroxide mediated polymerization, and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer systems as the most often used controlled/living radical polymerization methods. Volume 4 is devoted to kinetics, mechanisms and applications of ring opening polymerization of heterocyclic monomers and cycloolefins (ROMP), as well as to various less common polymerization techniques. Polycondensation and non-chain polymerizations, including dendrimer synthesis and various "click" procedures, are covered in Volume 5. Volume 6 focuses on several aspects of controlled macromolecular architectures and soft nano-objects including hybrids and bioconjugates. Many of the achievements would have not been possible without new characterization techniques like AFM that allowed direct imaging of single molecules and nano-objects with a precision available only recently. An entirely new aspect in polymer science is based on the combination of bottom-up methods such as polymer synthesis and molecularly programmed self-assembly with top-down structuring such as lithography and surface templating, as presented in Volume 7. It encompasses polymer and nanoparticle assembly in bulk and under confined conditions or influenced by an external field, including thin films, inorganic-organic hybrids, or nanofibers. Volume 8 expands these concepts focusing on applications in advanced technologies, e.g. in electronic industry and centers on combination with top down approach and functional properties like conductivity. Another type of functionality that is of rapidly increasing importance in polymer science is introduced in volume 9. It deals with various aspects of polymers in biology and medicine, including the response of living cells and tissue to the contact with biofunctional particles and surfaces. The last volume is devoted to the scope and potential provided by environmentally benign and green polymers, as well as energy-related polymers. They discuss new technologies needed for a sustainable economy in our world of limited resources. Provides broad and in-depth coverage of all aspects of polymer science from synthesis/polymerization, properties, and characterization methods and techniques to nanostructures, sustainability and energy, and biomedical uses of polymers Provides a definitive source for those entering or researching in this area by integrating the multidisciplinary aspects of the science into one unique, up-to-date reference work Electronic version has complete cross-referencing and multi-media components Volume editors are world experts in their field (including a Nobel Prize winner)

Aims to provide in-depth coverage of recent advances in all important areas of polyelectrolyte research and applications. Topics covered in this text include scaling theory, dynamic light scattering, neutron scattering, biopolymers and ionomers.

This text presents an intuitive and robust mathematical image of fundamental particle physics based on a novel approach to quantum field theory, which is guided by four carefully motivated metaphysical postulates. In particular, the book explores a dissipative approach to quantum field theory, which is illustrated for scalar field theory and quantum electrodynamics, and proposes an attractive explanation of the Planck scale in quantum gravity. Offering a radically new perspective on this topic, the book focuses on the conceptual foundations of quantum field theory and ontological questions. It also suggests a new stochastic simulation technique in quantum field theory which is complementary to existing ones. Encouraging rigor in a field containing many mathematical subtleties and pitfalls this text is a helpful companion for students of physics and philosophers interested in quantum field theory, and it allows readers to gain an intuitive rather than a formal understanding.