Statistical Thermodynamics of Surfaces, Interfaces, and Membranes (Paperback)

~ Samuel Safran (Author), (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A most welcome introduction to the study of internal interfaces found in complex multicomponent systems." -- Rudlog Podgornik, Journal of Statistical Physics

"One of the most laudable aspects of Safran's presentation is the methodical way he proceeds from simple to complex systems." -- Michael Schick, Physics Today

Product Description

Understanding the structural and thermodynamic properties of surfaces, interfaces, and membranes is important for both fundamental and practical reasons. Complex fluids and solids, important in the development of new materials, cannot be designed using trial and error methods due to the multiplicity of components and parameters. While these materials can sometimes be analyzed in terms of microscopic mixtures, it is often conceptually simpler to regard them as dispersions and to focus on the properties of the internal interfaces found in these systems. The basic physics centers on the properties of quasi-two-dimensional systems embedded in the three-dimensional world, thus exhibiting phenomena that do not exist in bulk materials. This approach is the basis behind the theoretical presentation of Statistical Thermodynamics of Surfaces, Interfaces, and Membranes. The approach adapted presents the traditional approach and then investigates throughout to treat the rich diversity of phenomena investigated in the field of colloid and interface science such as interfacial tension, the roughening transition, wetting, interactions between surfaces, membrane elasticity, and self-assembly. Presented as a set of lecture notes, this book is aimed at physicists, physical chemists, chemical engineers, and materials scientists who are interested in the statistical mechanics that underlie the macroscopic, thermodynamic properties of surfaces, interfaces, and membranes. NOTE: Each Part begins with an Introduction, and ends with Problems and References.
Mixtures and Interfaces
Complex Materials and Interfaces
Review of Classical Statistical Mechanics
Phase Separation in Binary Mixtures
Differential Geometry of Surfaces
Review of Hydrodynamics
Interfacial Tension
Free Energy of Surfaces and Interfaces
Surface/Interfacial Tension Theory
Surface-Active Agents
Fluctuations of Interfaces
Free Energy of a Fluctuating Interface
Thermal Fluctuations of Interfaces
Capillary Instabilities of Interfaces
Roughening Transition of Solid Surfaces
Wetting of Interfaces
Equilibrium
Long-Range Interactions: Macroscopic Theory
Fluctuations of the Contact Line
Equilibrium: Microscopic Description
Dynamics of Wetting
Interactions of Rigid Interfaces
Molecular Interactions
Van der Waals Interaction Energies
Continuum Theory of van der Waals Forces
Electrostatic Interactions
Solute-Induced Interactions
Flexible Interfaces
Fluid Membranes and Surfactants
Curvature Elasticity of Fluid Membranes
Curvature Moduli
Fluctuations of Fluid Membranes
Interactions of Fluid Membranes
Colloidal Dispersions
Dispersions of Interacting Particles
Colloid interactions: DLVO Theory
Long-Range Electrostatic Interactions
Steric Interactions: Polymer Adsorption
Structure of Colloidal Aggregates
Self-Absorbing Interfaces
Micelles
Vesicles
Microemulsions
Spongelike and Bicontinuous Phases

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Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Westview Press (January 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813340799
• ISBN-13: 978-0813340791
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #933,579 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best soft matter introduction, October 15, 2002

By	John Philante "Here is Johnny" (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Statistical Thermodynamics Of Surfaces, Interfaces And Membranes (Frontiers in Physics, Vol 90) (Hardcover)

This is the first book you should read about the subject. An intuitive introduction to the field by one of its masters.
Then, you may continue to Chaikin & Lubensky for the heavier,
more mathematical formalism. There is no subsequent for this lucid and joyous book.
Just buy it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A nice book, October 13, 2008

By	hcG "hcG" (NY) - See all my reviews

My advisor strongly recommended this book to me. I asked him if this book is good for my current research. He said no. But he told me that the book's advantage is its clear illustration of physics. I find this point after I finished reading two chapters. Many important points that could be easily ignored (at least for me), e.g., MFT, are commented and discussed. Such discussion benefits me a lot. By the way, my advisor said that this book is nice to be read before sleep. Don't think about it from the negative side, but from the aspect that the whole book is written in a pretty clear way!

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great book, not difficult to read, April 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Statistical Thermodynamics Of Surfaces, Interfaces And Membranes (Frontiers in Physics, Vol 90) (Hardcover)

The authors explain physical concepts very clearly and complicated mathematical approach is avoided. It is a must-have for soft matter scientists.