Soft macromolecular science

Advances in the synthesis, characterization, and understanding of macromolecular and supramolecular systems have led to an enormous variety and complexity in the field of soft matter science [165]. The traditional separations in terms of structure versus dynamics, crystalline versus amorphous, or experiment versus theory are increasingly overcome. As far as characterization of such materials is concerned, no experimental or theoretical/simulation approach alone can provide full information. Instead, a combination of techniques is called for and conclusions should be backed by results provided by as many complimentary methods as possible... 

Deak, G. and J.P. Kennedy, Copolyesters containing polyisobutylene soft segments and polybutylene terephthalate as the crystalline segments. Journal of Macromolecular Science - Pure and Applied Chemistry, 33(SUPPL. 7/8) p. 439.1996. 

Due to the complexity of macromolecular materials computer simulations become increasingly important in polymer science or, better, in what is now called soft matter physics. There are several reviews available which deal with a great variety of problems and techniques [1-7]. It is the purpose of the present introduction to give a very brief overview of the different approaches, mainly for dense systems, and a few apphcations. To do so we will confine ourselves to techniques describing polymers on a molecular level. By molecular level we mean both the microscopic and the mesoscopic level of description. In the case of the microscopic description (all)... 

Yuan J, Muller AHE, Matyjaszewski K, Sheiko SS (2012) Molecular brushes. In Muller AHE, Wooley KL (eds) Polymer science a comprehensive reference, vol 6. Macromolecular architectures and soft nano-objects. Elsevier, Amsterdam... 

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