Terminology for Self-Assembly and Aggregation of Polymers

Polymer Division

prepared by R.G. Jones, C.K. Ober, et al.

In the past, aggregation and self-assembly have been associated principally with micellar and colloidal systems of molecules; however, with the advent of supramolecular chemistry, molecular self-assembly has been opened to a much wider understanding that has facilitated access to a variety of different shapes and sizes, along with the construction of new and fascinating molecular topologies. This document aims at defining more than 150 terms related to the self-assembly and aggregation in the particular case of macromolecules. The list is restricted to the most commonly encountered terms.

Download full text of the Provisional Recommendations (pdf file - 283KB; 32 pages)