Some consequences of the polymer-solvent interaction

In this paper we report recent results concerning the consequences of polym er-solvent interactions in different areas of polymer materials. First, we discuss the effect of polymer-solvent interactions in the glass transition temperature of copolymers obtained by chemical modification of polymers in gel forming solvents. In a second part, we present the relevant role of the solvent and the polymer microstructure in the formation of physical gels. In the final part of the paper we present some recent technological applica tions of polymer gels.