Squeezing new information out of small systems

Abstract

Confinement alters many aspects of the structure and dynamics of polymers, macromolecules, and other related molecular systems, impacting the properties of nanocomposites (including surface attached polymers), microphase separated polymers, and ultrathin films. Alterations include large changes in glass transition temperatures, crystallization behavior, and rheological response, among other properties. A wide range of relevant length scales (local relaxation processes up to entire chain motion) makes this a multifaceted and rich arena. This Special Topic Collection includes 35 articles by experts in the field of “Polymer Nanoconfinement.”