Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to give an overview of phenomenology and experimental methods in the field of study of so-called soft matter, with particular reference to the dynamic and morphological properties of liquid crystals, polymers, self-assembled and self-organized complex molecular systems. Another aim is to discuss some important applications to, for example, molecular electronics, biosensors, innovative intelligent materials.
Prerequisites
Three-year degree course in Physics or Chemistry or Science and Technology of Materials
Course unit content
INTRODUCTION: COMPLEXITY AND ITS CONSEQUENCES IN THE PROPERTIES OF MATTER. MOLECULAR MATERIALS: GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTIES. THE PHYSICS OF LIQUID CRYSTALS: PHASE TRANSITIONS AND DYNAMICS. THE POLYMERS: GENERAL INTRODUCTION AND MACROSCOPIC PROPERTIES. POLYMERIC MATERIALS: FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS AND STRUCTURAL POLYMERS. STATISTICS AND DYNAMICS OF POLYMERS: GLASS TRANSITION AND MOLECULAR RELAXATION. INTERFACIAL SYSTEMS: EMULSIONS, GELS, MICELLES, MONOMOLECULAR FILMS. POLYMERIC AND BIOPOLYMERIC NANOSTRUCTURES CONFINED IN 2D: PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION. DYNAMICS IN CONFINED GEOMETRY: NANOCAPSULES, MONOMOLECULAR FILMS, SUPERLATTICES. POLYMERIC AND BIOMOLECULAR DEVICES: MOLECULAR ELECTRONICS. SOME IMPORTANT TECHNIQUES IN THE STUDY OF SOFT MATTER: DIFFRACTION AND INELASTIC SCATTERING OF X RAYS AND NEUTRONS; RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY; SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPIES (AFM, STM, SNOM).
Full programme
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Bibliography
Lecture notes <br />
P.G. de Gennes, Concepts in Polymer Physics, Cornell University Press <br />
Teaching methods
Lectures, exercises, oral exam, period of laboratory training.
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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