Self-consistent-field theories for complex fluids

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Abstract
Recent developments in off-lattice self-consistent-field theories for inhomogeneous complex fluids are reviewed. Particular emphasis is given to the treatment of intermolecular interactions and compressibility, to the role of fluctuations, and to the discussion of the coarse-graining length which is inherent to the theory. Valuable insight can be gained from the comparison of self-consistent-field calculations with Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, some applications of the theory to orientational properties of polymers and copolymers at interfaces, and to the phase behaviour of amphiphiles at surfaces, are presented.