The Mesoscopic Theory of Polymer Dynamics

Introduction: Macromolecular Systems in Equilibrium.- Dynamics of a Macromolecule in a Viscous Liquid.- Dynamics of a Macromolecule in an Entangled System.- Conformational Relaxation.- The Localisation Effect.- Linear Viscoelasticity.- Equations of Relaxation.- Relaxation Processes in the Phenomenological Theory.- Non-Linear Effects of Viscoelasticity.- Optical Anisotropy.

From the reviews of the second edition:
“Much of the book is taken up with the construction and solution of stochastic differential equations which describe the dynamics of the beads and chains, and considerable detail of the derivation of the final results from the initial equations is given. … a monograph for experts who wish to see a detailed discussion of the mechanics of the bead and chain model … . a technical and specialised work which will appeal to the expert reader who has the need and application to master it.” (P. T. Greenland, Contemporary Physics, March, 2012)

The theory presented in this book explains in a consistent manner all dynamic effects (diffusion, neutron scattering, viscoelasticity, optical birefringence) observed in very concentrated solutions and melts of linear polymers from a macromolecular point of view. This monograph reconciles different approaches to polymer dynamics and reflects the modern situation in understanding the relaxation behaviour of the polymer systems. The reader is invited to follow the way from dynamics of a separate macromolecule to the constitutive relations for both weakly and strongly entangled linear polymers. The contents can be related to the fields of molecular physics, fluid mechanics, polymer physics and materials science. This text provides material for one or two semester graduate-level course in polymer dynamics or for graduate students with some background in physics and mathematics.  The monograph presents topics in a self-contained way that makes it a suitable reference book for professional researchers in the fields of polymer science, polymer engineering, and materials science.

Provides an up-to-date account of the theoretical understanding of polymer dynamics Presents a compact and consistent explanation of all effects known in polymer dynamics Extends the applications of dynamic stochastic equations to non-linear macromolecules Second edition, revised and updated Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras