Molecular Interactions (Molecular and Surface Forces)

Synonyms

Intermolecular forces

Definition

The forces (interactions) that act between two neighboring molecules (or two opposing surfaces).

Introduction

Forces or interactions between molecules and those between surfaces are the most fundamental subject which determines the behavior and properties of all forms of materials. In soft material systems including polymeric nanomaterials, many important physicochemical behaviors/properties are described and controlled by molecular and surface forces [1–4]. For example, the geometry of self-assembled structures of polymeric materials is determined by the balance between repulsive and attractive interactions between molecules (segments). The stability of the dispersions of polymeric nanoparticles is governed by the repulsive surface forces between particles. Fundamental properties of materials such as melting point and boiling point and their fundamental structures such as crystal structures are governed by intermolecular forces. Further,...