approaches and emerging systems in soft matter research, the particular attention is
also devoted to new conceptual flexible functional materials, i.e. silk
meso-molecular materials, molecular gels, liquid crystals, and the enriching areas,
i.e. flexible electronics, new types of catalysis, etc. One of the intentions of this
book is to start with the structure formation dynamics and the correlation between
the structures and macroscopic performance. This lays down the foundation for the
mesoscopic materials design and functionalization.
The book evolves from the lecturing style of the school. Therefore, the basic
principles and technologies of computer simulations and experimental methods are
explained in more detail. Illustrations, tables and videos are included in this textbook to improve the readability. Examples are added to help understanding. It can,
therefore, be adopted as a reference book for senior undergraduate students,
graduate students, and researchers who are interested in soft matter researches.
I am sincerely indebted to the authors for the great efforts in the composition
of the respective chapters that combine timely and comprehensive reviews of
current frontiers with the fundamental principles to serve the purpose of this book.
My appreciation also extends to Dr. Q. L. Huang from Physics, the Xiamen
University for her great effort and kind assistance in soliciting the manuscripts from
authors, Dr. M. C. Huang and the whole editorial team of Springer Nature for their
professionalism throughout the whole editing process. Finally, it is our sincere wish
that this book will further stimulate exciting multilateral collaborations among the
international scientific communities.
Singapore
August 2020
Xiang-Yang Liu
State Distinguished Professor
vi
Preface
also devoted to new conceptual flexible functional materials, i.e. silk
meso-molecular materials, molecular gels, liquid crystals, and the enriching areas,
i.e. flexible electronics, new types of catalysis, etc. One of the intentions of this
book is to start with the structure formation dynamics and the correlation between
the structures and macroscopic performance. This lays down the foundation for the
mesoscopic materials design and functionalization.
The book evolves from the lecturing style of the school. Therefore, the basic
principles and technologies of computer simulations and experimental methods are
explained in more detail. Illustrations, tables and videos are included in this textbook to improve the readability. Examples are added to help understanding. It can,
therefore, be adopted as a reference book for senior undergraduate students,
graduate students, and researchers who are interested in soft matter researches.
I am sincerely indebted to the authors for the great efforts in the composition
of the respective chapters that combine timely and comprehensive reviews of
current frontiers with the fundamental principles to serve the purpose of this book.
My appreciation also extends to Dr. Q. L. Huang from Physics, the Xiamen
University for her great effort and kind assistance in soliciting the manuscripts from
authors, Dr. M. C. Huang and the whole editorial team of Springer Nature for their
professionalism throughout the whole editing process. Finally, it is our sincere wish
that this book will further stimulate exciting multilateral collaborations among the
international scientific communities.
Singapore
August 2020
Xiang-Yang Liu
State Distinguished Professor
vi
Preface