A two-dimensional self-consistent-field model for grafted chains: Determining the properties of grafted homopolymers in poor solvents
- Univ. of Pittsburgh, PA (United States). Materials Science and Engineering Dept.
Polymers that are grafted to a solid surface display a rich variety of phase behavior. The unique behavior arises from the fact that the grafted chain ends are immobile; thus, as environmental conditions are varied, the chains are limited in their ability to respond to these changes. This behavior is particularly interesting when adverse conditions, such as poor solvents, are introduced. it is then of particular interest to determine how opposing influences affect the properties of the grafted layer. For example, the presence of a poor solvent would normally drive the chains to associate into macroscopic aggregates. Since the ends are anchored, however, these chains cannot undergo such macroscopic phase separation. Instead, grafted homopolymers in sufficiently poor solvents are observed to form local bundles or dimples, leading to lateral segregation within the layer.
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-90ER45438
- OSTI ID:
- 5992584
- Journal Information:
- Macromolecules; (United States), Vol. 26:17; ISSN 0024-9297
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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