Topics in Polymer Physics

This book can serve as an introduction to students interested in learning the techniques used in developing mathematical models of physical phenomenon in polymers; or it can furnish the background information to the experienced professional desiring to broaden his/her knowledge of polymers. The senior author presented material in this book to students interested in learning the fundamental mathematics underlying many areas of polymer physics and in lectures to audiences with varying backgrounds in polymer physics. Too many times, the basic equations are presented in final form from either lack of space or the assumption that the derivation is widely disseminated and does not require repetition. A wide variety of topics are covered, from the statistical physics and thermodynamics of polymers, to the optical and electrical behavior of polymers, as well as spectroscopy techniques for polymers.