Scattering and Dynamics of Polymers

Scattering is a very powerful tool to study the structure of polymers. Recent technical developments have strongly enhanced the possible applications of this technique, overcoming previous limitations. In Scattering and Dynamics of Polymers, Han and Akcasu present a comprehensive treatment of these new developments in a way that is accessible for students and researchers new to the topic. Furthermore, not only do the authors introduce how to use scattering to probe the static and dynamic properties of macromolecules, but also correlate the fluctuation and diffusions to the phase transitions. Han and Akcasu begin with a traditional treatment of light scattering from plane waves, followed by consistent application of density (in both real and Fourier space) correlation functions in both space and time. The authors do not distinguish among light, X-ray, and neutron, excepting their scattering length, q-range, coherence and detection differences. Readers can therefore concentrate on exactly the scattering tools they need to use, while theoretical explanation on the physics of scattering can be made much more simplified and uniform. Presents the latest development in the field of scattering in a uniform, systematic manner Arms readers with both theoretical and experimental aspects Gives a much simpler theoretical explanation on the physics of scattering Demonstrates application of experimental techniques The book is intended for graduate students and professional scientists in polymer science, chemical engineering, biophysics, materials science, and soft condensed matter. It can be used as a text for advanced courses on Scattering and Polymer Physics, Polymer Physical Chemistry, Soft Matter and Complex Fluid, Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Polymeric Materials, Polymer Physics, Polymer Dynamics, Structures and Properties of Polymeric Materials, and a supplementary text for a general course in polymer science, materials science, biophysics and soft matter physics. Researchers and engineers in relevant fields will also find this book to be a helpful reference.