Complex materials are multi-comp0nent systems such as polymers, colloidal
particles, micelles, membranes, foams, etc.; they are distinguished from simple
crystalline solids and simple liquids in that they generally possess molecular or
structural length scales much greater than atomic. They often exhibit unusual
properties or combinations of properties, such as light weight combined with strength,
toughness combined with rigidity, fluidity combined with solid-like structure, or
the ability to dissolve in both oil and water. Complex materials turn up as surfactants
in soaps and facial creams, as lubricants on magnetic disks, as adhesives in medical
supplies, as encapsulants in pharmaceuticals, etc. Polymers are ubiquitous as fibers,
films, processing aids, rheology modifiers, and as structural or packaging elements