Mesoscopic non-equilibrium thermodynamics approach to the dynamics of polymers

We present a general formalism able to derive the kinetic equations of poly mer dynamics. Tt is based on the application of non-equilibrium thermodynam ics to analyze the irreversible processes taking place in the conformationa l space of the macromolecules. The Smoluchowski equation results from the a nalysis of the underlying diffusion process in that space within the scheme of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. We apply the method to different situati ons, concerning flexible, semiflexible and rod-like polymers and to the cas e of more concentrated solutions in which interactions become important. (C ) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.