Noncommutative string theory, the R-matrix, and Hopf algebras

Motivated by the form of the noncommutative *-product in a system of open s trings and Dp-branes with constant nonzero Neveu-Schwarz 2-form, we define a deformed multiplication operation on a quasitriangular Hopf algebra in te rms of its R-matrix, and comment on some of its properties. We show that th e noncommutative string theory *-product is a particular example of this mu ltiplication, and comment on other possible Hopf algebraic properties which may underlie the theory. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.