Colloidal macromolecular phenomena

Colloidal macromolecular phenomena represent a novel segment of polymer chemistry. They are associated with the unique physical behavior of discrete, particulate, and highly organized aggregates of hundreds or thousands of long chain molecules having dimensions roughly between those of the smallest viruses and the larger bacteria. Unique rheological and other functional properties are exhibited by unhinged colloidal macro‐molecular micro crystals possessing truly colloidal dimensions, namely, circular or rectangular rods, or platelets of the order of 25 A. × 50 A. × >1000 A., properties that are in large measure independent of chemical composition. Two commercial products now are available utilizing colloidal macromolecular phenomena (Avicel micro crystal line cellulose and Baymal colloidal alumina). It is believed that these are the forerunners of many new colloidal macromolecular products to come, new products fashioned from microcrystals of both synthetic and natural high polymers, from organic as well as inorganic high polymers, or combinations of both of them.