Abstract:Various phase tranditions occurring in polymeric systems are reviewed from the standpoint of classic equilibrium thermodynamics. It is shown that classic rules are obeyed to a surprising degree of acc...Various phase tranditions occurring in polymeric systems are reviewed from the standpoint of classic equilibrium thermodynamics. It is shown that classic rules are obeyed to a surprising degree of accuracy and provide a useful ordering principle. Transitions considered involve partial miscibility, crystallization, mesophase and compound formation. Simple molecular modeling already produces phase diagrams typical for mesophaseforming systems and indicates that isotropic polymer blends must be expected to change their properties in the course of time (thermodynamic aging).Read More