Polymer theory: Path integrals and scaling

In this review paper a number of recent topics on polymer theory are discus sed. One of the main issues of the present work is to show that scaling the ories together with more sophisticated methods gives answers to the raised questions. The here selected topics are connectivity and interactions. The problem of connectivity is especially important in connection with restrict ed geometries. Here it is shown that simple scaling theories propose a numb er of results? which can now checked experimentally. Interactions play a do minant role in polymers blends and copolymers and become especially importa nt when disorder effects come into play. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.