Molecular Organization and Higher Order Structures

Abstract

In chapter 13, the building of nano structures was considered. It is not possible within the constraints of this monograph to explore how these nano structures organize themselves to create macro structures, but the general principles underlying the scaling are illustrated with reference to cellulose and silk. Both these systems can be shown to develop structure at a molecular level which leads to the observation of nano and macro organization. As in the case of crystal growth, these latter processes may be assisted by the presence of low levels of related chemical species, which can influence the interactions between the growing structures.