Theoretical and Computational Studies of Macromolecular Materials

North Dakota State University Fargo, Fargo ND

Investigators

Abstract

Theoretical and computer simulation studies of effective interactions and thermodynamic phase behavior in macromolecular materials will be undertaken. Three classes of system will be investigated: charge-stabilized colloidal suspensions, polyelectrolyte solutions, and colloid-polymer mixtures. The main objectives are to characterize effective interactions between macromolecules in solution and to input these interactions into statistical mechanical theories and computer simulations to predict thermodynamic behavior. The project will benefit the new Computational Physics program at North Dakota State University.