Summary

This is the first self-contained book on the thermodynamics and critical phenomena of polymer solutions, ranging from the rather elementary level to the advanced and up-to-date level. The book covers the rigorous theories of phase equilibrium, computer experiments based on these theories, as well as actual experiments, molecular fractionation and application to membrane and fiber production. An extensive list of references and literature data on the thermodynamic interaction x-parameter, critical point, fractionation and polymer blends is also provided. This book should prove invaluable for courses on polymer science, thermodynamics and polymer solutions at graduate, university and polytechnic level.