Structure and Properties of Complex Fluids

The structure and properties of polymers are covered from dilute solution to bulk melts. Concepts covered include single chain statistics, gelation and network formation. The thermodynamics of polymer solubility and phase separation, including block copolymer microphase separation will be addressed. In addition topics on polymers at interfaces and under confinement will be covered. Experimental techniques to study polymer structure including rheological measurements,NMR, neutron scattering, and optical techniques will be presented. Special topics on polyelectrolyte effects, single chain DNA experiments may be covered based on student interest