The rapidly-developing field of confined polymers is reviewed in this volume. Special emphasis is given to polymer aspects of this interdisciplinary problem. Taken together, the contributions offer ample evidence of how the field of polymer science continues to evolve with the passage of time. The topics revolve around the tendency of surfaces to impede chain relaxation and to stimulate new sorts of chain organization. These have been implicated in a variety of spectacular phenomena. Here is a listing of authors and affiliations: K. Binder (Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany); P.-G. de Gennes (College de France, France); E.P. Giannelis, R. Krishnamoorti, and E. Manias (Cornell University and University of Houston, USA); G.S. Grest (Exxon Research and Engineering Co., USA); L. Leger, E. Raphael, and H. Hervet (College de France, France); S.-Q. Wang (Case Western Reserve University, USA). Phase Transitions of Polymer Blends and Block Copolymer Melts in Thin Films.- Flexible Polymers in Nanopores.- Polymer-Silicate Nanocomposites: Model Systems for Confined Polymers and Polymer Brushes.- Normal and Shear Forces Between Polymer Brushes.- Surface-Anchored Polymer Chains: Their Role in Adhesion and Friction.- Molecular Transitions and Dynamics at Polymer / Wall Interfaces: Origins of Flow Instabilities and Wall Slip.
