Abstract

The Role of Polymer Physics in Soft Matter and Advanced Functional Materials

Author(s): Wenxuan Ying *

Polymer physics provides the fundamental framework for understanding the structure, dynamics, and mechanical behavior of polymeric materials. In soft matter science, insights from polymer physics enable the design of advanced functional materials with tailored properties such as elasticity, self-assembly, responsiveness, and viscoelasticity. This article explores the role of polymer physics in soft matter research, highlighting its contributions to the development of hydrogels, elastomers, liquid-crystalline polymers, and nanostructured functional materials. By linking molecular-level interactions to macroscopic performance, polymer physics underpins innovations in biomedical devices, smart materials, energy storage systems, and flexible electronics.