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Introduction to Soft Matter Physics
3h
Samuel A. Safran,
“Statistical thermodynamics of Surfaces,
Interfaces, and Membranes”.
Pierre-Gilles de Gennes “Scaling Concepts in Polymer Physics”.
W.J. Briels, “Theory of Polymer Dynamics”
http://www.tn.utwente.nl/cdr/PolymeerDictaat/polymerdynamics.html
B.Veytsman, M.Kotelyanskii
http://www.plmsc.psu.edu/~www/matsc597c-1997/systems/index.html
1) Introduction. Simple fluids:
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structure of simple fluids;
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review of hydrodynamics, hydrodynamic interactions;
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diffusion in simple fluids, Langevin equation;
2) Polymer statistics:
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single chain statistics; chain under external action; Flory theory;
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Polymer solutions: dilute, semi-dilute and melts; osmotic pressure;
scaling laws;
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Segregation in polymer mixtures;
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Polymers near the interfaces: adsorption; depletion layer; steric
repulsion;
3) Dynamics of a polymer chain: Rouse model; normal modes; motion of
monomers; hydrodynamic interactions.
4) Interactions of rigid interfaces:
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Van der Waals interaction; non-retarded interaction; interactions of
many molecules;
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Electrostatic interaction; screening; Debye-Hückel approximation;
forces between surfaces.
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Colloidal dispersions; DLVO theory
5) Fluctuations of interfaces: Interfacial tension; Laplace pressure; Surfaceactive agents; interface free energy; thermal fluctuations of interfaces;
capillary wave dynamics; capillary instabilities;
6) Flexible interfaces: curvature elasticity; microscopic model; height and normal
fluctuations of fluid membranes; persistence length; steric repulsion;
7) Self-assembling interfaces: micelles; critical micelles concentration; spherical
micelles; cylindrical micelles; vesicles; microemulsions; sponge-like and
bicontinuous phases.