Self Organising Polymers

This volume is focussed on examining how molecular self-organization in a range of apparently diverse polymeric systems - synthetic (liquid crystal polymers, block copolymers, dendrimers) as well as biological (DNA, polyelectrolytes, peptides) - can be understood using tools from physical chemistry. Work is presented in the following areas: hierarchical order; polymer nanostructures; biomimetic materials - lessons from nature; mesophase precursors in polymer crystallization - an ongoing saga; functional polymers: conductive and light-emitting polymer materials; polymer-templated structures; polymer-inorganic hybrids; and single chain structure and mechanical properties. Faraday Discussions document a long-established series of Faraday Discussion meetings which provide a unique international forum for the exchange of views and newly acquired results in developing areas of physical chemistry, biophysical chemistry and chemical physics. The papers presented are published in the Faraday Discussion volume together with a record of the discussion contributions made at the meeting. Faraday Discussions therefore provide an important record of current international knowledge and views in the field concerned.