Polymer Solutions

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I. Polymer Chain Statistics

A. Random and restricted coils
B. Chain segment spatial distribution and radius of gyration
C. Nature of intermolecular forces
D. Excluded volume and solvation
E. Theta condition in polymer solutions

II. Light Scattering Analysis of Polymers

A. Scattering from small molecule gases
B. Scattering from low molecular weight solutions
C. Scattering from polymers in solution: Zimm plots, molecular weight,
radius of gyration second virial coefficient

III. Polymers and Fractal Geometry

IV. Polymer Solution Thermodynamics

A. Review of principles of thermodynamics
B. Ideal solutions
C. Flory-Huggins lattice theory

Concentrated solutions

Interaction parameter

Dilute solutions, excluded volume

Theta temperature concept

Solubility parameter
D. Membrane osmometry and molecular weight determination

V. Phase Equilibrium in Polymer-Solvent Systems

A. Solution free energy vs. composition curves
and criteria for polymer miscibility
B. Upper and lower critical solution temperatures
C. Polymer Plasticization

VI. Polymer Blends and Block Copolymers