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Article

Superpolymers, ultraweak solids and aggregates

OCT 01, 1984
Particles up to 1000 Å in size act like atoms or molecules and come together to form flexible chains, periodic lattices and entities with fractal geometries.
Tom C. Lubensky
Philip A. Pincus

In elementary science courses, we learn that matter can exist in the gaseous, liquid or solid states. In more advanced courses, we divide the solid state into regular periodic solids, possibly with defects, and amorphous solids such as glasses. Although these classifications are useful, they are incomplete and do not reflect the full variety of states of natural and synthetic materials.

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References

  1. 1. For a recent review of liquid‐crystal physics, see PHYSICS TODAY, May 1982.

  2. 2. For an introduction to modern polymer physics, see P.‐G. de Gennes, Scaling Concepts in Polymer Physics, Cornell U.P., Ithaca, New York (1979).

  3. 3. B. Vincent, Advances in Colloid and Interface Sci. 4, 193 (1974).

  4. 4. R. E. Rosenweig, Scientific American, October 1982, p. 136.

  5. 5. For a general survey, see Micellization, Solubilization, and Microemulsions, K. W. Mittal, ed., Plenum, New York (1977).

  6. 6. P.‐G. de Gennes, PHYSICS TODAY, June 1983, p. 33.

  7. 7. B. Cabane, R. Duplessix in Colloidal Particles—Polymer Adsorption and Steric Stabilization, D. Goddard, B. Vincent, eds., American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C. (1983).

  8. 8. J. Polymer Sci. will soon publish a review by H. E. Stanley, F. Family, H. Gould.

More about the authors

Tom C. Lubensky, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Philip A. Pincus, Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Annandale, New Jersey.

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This Content Appeared In
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Volume 37, Number 10

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