Soft Matter: A Very Short Introduction

Soft Matter science is concerned with soft materials such as polymers, colloids, liquid crystals, and foams, and has emerged as a rich interdisciplinary field over the last 30 years. It links fundamental scientific ideas to everyday phenomena, such as polymers, which illustrate how sliminess emerges from the flow and form of giant molecules. This Very Short Introduction delves into the field, looking beneath the appearances of matter into its inner structure. Tom McLeish shows how Brownian Motion is an underlying principle of soft matter, and how the shared physical properties and characteristics of these materials influence the way they behave and their industrial applications.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 176 pages
\n Publication date: 22 October 2020
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
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Soft Matter science delves into the realm of soft materials, encompassing a wide range of substances such as polymers, colloids, liquid crystals, and foams. Over the past three decades, it has evolved into a vibrant interdisciplinary field, drawing upon physics, chemistry, mathematics, and engineering to unravel the intricate connections between fundamental scientific principles and everyday phenomena.

One notable example of soft matter is polymers, which are found in various everyday materials like plastic and melted cheese. These materials showcase the fascinating emergence of slime from the intricate flow and formation of large molecules. This Very Short Introduction delves into the world of soft matter, exploring its inner structure and underlying principles. Author Tom McLeish highlights Brownian Motion, the random local movement of molecules, as a fundamental principle governing soft matter. He discusses how this motion contributes to phenomena such as heat generation and how the shared physical properties and characteristics of these materials influence their behavior and industrial applications.

The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press offers a comprehensive collection of titles in nearly every subject area. These compact books are designed to provide concise yet informative introductions to new subjects, making them ideal for individuals seeking to gain a quick understanding of a particular field. With expert authors who combine facts, analysis, perspective, innovative ideas, and enthusiasm, these books make complex and challenging topics highly accessible and engaging. By exploring the world of soft matter through the lens of this series, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate interplay between science and everyday life.

\n Weight: 136g\n
Dimension: 113 x 173 x 13 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198807131\n \n