Introduction to Soft Matter

Preface to the First Edition.

1. Introduction.

1.1 Introduction.

1.2 Intermolecular Interactions.

1.3 Structural Organization.

1.4 Dynamics.

1.5 Phase Transitions.

1.6 Order Parameters.

1.7 Scaling Laws.

1.8 Polydispersity.

1.9 Experimental Techniques for Investigating Soft Matter.

1.10 Computer Simulation.

Further Reading.

2. Polymers.

2.1 Introduction.

2.2 Synthesis.

2.3 Polymer Chain Conformation.

2.4 Characterization.

2.5 Polymer Solutions.

2.6 Amorphous Polymers.

2.7 Crystalline Polymers.

2.8 Plastics.

2.9 Rubber.

2.10 Fibres.

2.11 Polymer Blends and Block Copolymers.

2.12 Dendrimers and Hyperbranched Polymers.

2.13 Polyelectrolytes.

2.14 Electronic and Opto-electronic Polymers.

Further Reading.

Questions.

3. Colloids.

3.1 Introduction.

3.2 Types of Colloids.

3.3 Forces Between Colloidal Particles.

3.4 Characterization of Colloids.

3.5 Charge Stabilization.

3.6 Steric Stabilization.

3.7 Effect of Polymers on Colloid Stability.

3.8 Kinetic Properties.

3.9 Sols.

3.10 Gels.

3.11 Clays.

3.12 Foams.

3.13 Emulsions.

3.14 Food Colloids.

3.15 Concentrated Colloidal Dispersions.

Further Reading.

Questions.

4. Amphiphiles.

4.1 Introduction.

4.2 Types of Amphiphile.

4.3 Surface Activity.

4.4 Surfactant Monolayers and Langmuir-Blodgett Films.

4.5 Adsorption at Solid Interfaces.

4.6 Micellization and the Critical Micelle Concentration.

4.7 Detergency.

4.8 Solubilization in Micelles.

4.9 Interfacial Curvature and Its Relationship to Molecular Structure.

4.10 Liquid Crystal Phases at High Concentrations.

4.11 Membranes.

4.12 Templated Structures.

Further Reading.

Questions.

5. Liquid Crystals.

5.1 Introduction.

5.2 Types of Liquid Crystals.

5.3 Characteristics of Liquid Crystal Phases.

5.4 Identification of Liquid Crystal Phases.

5.5 Orientational Order.

5.6 Elastic Properties.

5.7 Phase Transitions in Liquid Crystals.

5.8 Applications of Liquid Crystals.

Further Reading.

Questions.

6. Biological Soft Matter.

6.1 Introduction.

6.2 Lipid Membranes.

6.3 DNA.

6.4 Proteins.

6.5 Polysaccharides and Glycoproteins.

6.6 Macromolecular Assemblies.

Further Reading.

Questions.

Numerical Solutions to Questions.

Index.