Polymer Phase Behavior

This lecture covers the physical chemistry of polymeric materials, focusing on concentrated solutions and phase separation behavior. It discusses the importance of dilute solutions for various polymers and their industrial applications. The lecture delves into phase diagrams of polymer-solvent and polymer-polymer systems, explaining binodal, spinodal, and critical points. It also explores the kinetic aspects of phase separation, including nucleation and growth, and spinodal decomposition. The lecture concludes with a discussion on the interaction parameter, critical solution temperatures, and the behavior of block copolymers.