SOME GEOMETRICAL AND TOPOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN POLYMER PHYSICS

In this work we discuss some problems of polymer physics which require use of the geometrical and topological methods for their solution. Se lection of problems is made to provide some balanced view between the real physical situations and the mathematical methods which are requir ed for their understanding. We consider both static and dynamic proper ties of polymer solutions which depend on the presence of entanglement s. These include: problems related to polymer collapse, statics and dy namics of individual circular polymers and concentrated polymer soluti ons, problems related to elasticity of rubbers and gels, motion of pol ymers through pores. etc. This work serves both as an introduction to the field and as a guide for further study. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.