The study of intermolecular forces began over one hundred years ago in 1873 with the famous thesis of van der Waals. In recent decades, knowledge of this field has expanded due to intensive research into both its theoretical and the experimental aspects. This is particularly true for the type of very strong cohesive force stressed in 1920 by Latimer and Rodebush: the hydrogen bond, a phenomenon already outlined in 1912 by Moore and Winemill. Hydrogen bonds exert a profound influence on most of the physical and chemical properties of the materials in which they are formed. Not only do they govern viscosity and electrical conductivity, they also intervene in the chemical reaction path which determines the kinetics of chemical processes. The properties of chemical substances depend to a large extent on intermolecular forces. In spite of this fundamental fact, too little attention is given to these properties both in research and in university teaching. For instance, in the field of pharmaceutical research, about 13000 compounds need to be studied in order to find a single new product that can be successfully marketed. The recognition of the need to optimize industrial research efficiency has led to a growing interest in promoting the study of inter molecular forces. Rising salary costs in industry have encou raged an interest in theoretical ideas which will lead to tailor made materials.

High-Pressure Chemistry and Physics of Polymers is devoted to covering all areas of high-pressure polymer materials science. Topics addressed include the synthesis of polymers, changes in reactivity, structural transformations, molecular dynamics, relaxation processes, deformational properties, chemical modification, and the effect of shock waves and shear stresses. The authors' contributions reflect over 60 years of Soviet study in the field of physico-chemistry conducted at the major former Soviet Institutes of Chemical Physics, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. Fundamental topics such as compressibility of polymers, polymerization under pressure, viscoelastic/deformational properties, and polymer modification are discussed with an eye toward materials development for improving physical models and methods of calculating the changing parameters of materials under pressure. The book is a valuable reference to data on mechanisms of physical and chemical processes, in addition to new experimental data for improving physical models and methods of calculating changes in material characteristics under compression loads. High-Pressure Chemistry and Physics of Polymers will be an important reference for graduate students and practicing professionals in polymer chemistry and polymeric materials.

Most of the solid materials we use in everyday life, from plastics to cosmetic gels exist under a non-crystalline, amorphous form: they are glasses. Yet, we are still seeking a fundamental explanation as to what glasses really are and to why they form. In this book, we survey the most recent theoretical and experimental research dealing with glassy physics, from molecular to colloidal glasses and granular media. Leading experts in this field present broad and original perspectives on one of the deepest mysteries of condensed matter physics, with an emphasis on the key role played by heterogeneities in the dynamics of glassiness.

Much more than a slight revision, this second edition of the successful "Handbook of Liquid Crystals" is completely restructured and streamlined, with updated as well as completely new topics, 100% more content and a new team of editors and authors. As such, it fills the gap for a definitive, single source reference for all those working in the field of organized fluids and will set the standard for the next decade. The Handbook's new structure facilitates navigation and combines the presentation of the content by topic and by liquid-crystal type: A fundamentals volume sets the stage for an understanding of the liquid crystal state of matter, while individual volumes cover the main types and forms, with a final volume bringing together the diverse liquid crystal phases through their applications. This unrivaled, all-embracing coverage represents the undiluted knowledge on liquid crystals, making the Handbook a must-have wherever liquid crystals are investigated, produced or used, and in institutions where their science and technology is taught. Also available electronically on Wiley Online Library, www.wileyonlinelibrary.com/ref/holc Volume 1: Fundamentals of Liquid Crystals Volume 2: Physical Properties and Phase Behavior of Liquid Crystals Volume 3: Nematic and Chiral Nematic Liquid Crystals Volume 4: Smectic and Columnar Liquid Crystals Volume 5: Non-Conventional Liquid Crystals Volume 6: Nanostructured and Amphiphilic Liquid Crystals Volume 7: Supermolecular and Polymeric Liquid Crystals Volume 8: Applications of Liquid Crystals

As a spectroscopic method, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has seen spectacular growth over the past two decades, both as a technique and in its applications. Today the applications of NMR span a wide range of scientific disciplines, from physics to biology to medicine. Each volume of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance comprises a combination of annual and biennial reports which together provide comprehensive coverage of the literature on this topic. This Specialist Periodical Report reflects the growing volume of published work involving NMR techniques and applications, in particular NMR of natural macromolecules which is covered in two reports: ""NMR of Proteins and Nucleic Acids"" and ""NMR of Carbohydrates, Lipids and Membranes"". For those wanting to become rapidly acquainted with specific areas of NMR, this title provides unrivalled scope of coverage. Seasoned practitioners of NMR will find this an invaluable source of current methods and applications.

This book is unique in supplying a comprehensive presentation of high pressures, negative pressures, random constraints and strong electric field exogenic (external) impacts on various soft matter systems. The book is an excellent guide in this novel and still puzzling research area. The book comes as a result from the ARW NATO brainstorming discussion in Odessa, Ukraine (8-12 Oct. 2005). It contains 31 papers prepared by key specialists in the field.