Dynamics and Thermodynamics of Polymers

9625485 Muthukumar将对以下内容进行理论研究：（1）溶液的热力学;（2）聚电解质和液晶在随机环境中的弛豫和传输;（3）与图案形成和络合相关的拓扑挫折;（4）液晶系统中的相分离动力学。 完整的数学表达式将推导出描述的非通用功能（1）的快速和缓慢的动力学伴随着“普通-异常”的过渡，在无规介质中的聚电解质的模式识别和运输;（3）相分离动力学和缺陷动力学的聚合物分散液晶。 这一理论研究补充了世界各地实验室正在积极开展的许多实验研究。 这项理论研究的结果与许多应用领域有关，如色谱和电泳等分离技术;分子复合材料和光闸的制备和加工;以及纳米结构和人工酶的受控制造。 该基金支持聚合物和复杂流体的理论研究。 将处理各种各样的问题。 将要研究的基本问题在许多应用中都有影响。 ***

9625485 Muthukumar Theoretical studies will be done on the following: (1) thermodynamics of polyelectrolyte solutions; (2) relaxation and transport of polyelectrolytes and liquid crystals in random environments; (3) topological frustrations associated with pattern formation and complexations; (4) phase separation kinetics in liquid crystalline systems. Full mathematical expressions will be derived to describe the nonuniversal features of (1) the fast and slow dynamics accompanying the `ordinary-extrordinary' transition in polyelectrolyte solutions; (2) pattern recognition and transport of polyelectrolytes in random media; and (3) phase separation kinetics and defect dynamics of polymer dispersed liquid crystals. This theoretical research complements many experimental investigations which are being actively pursued in laboratories worldwide. The results of this theoretical research are relevant to numerous applied areas such as separation techniques like chromatography and electrophoresis; preparation and processing of molecular composites and light shutters for devices; and controlled fabrication of nanoscale structures and artificial enzymes. %%% This grant supports theoretical research on polymers and complex fluids. A wide variety of problems will be addressed. The fundamental issues which will be investigated have ramifications in many applications. ***