Theoretical models for grafted homopolymers in poor solvents: Observations of "dimpledrd surfaces

Chuck Yeung, Kanglin Huang, David Jasnow, Anna C. Balazs

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

We introduce two new methods for determining the effect of solvent quality on a layer of end-grafted homopolymers. In the first investigation, we combine the random phase approximation (RPA) with a numerical self-consistent field analysis to examine the structure of the grafted layer. For sufficiently poor solvents, the laterally homogeneous grafted layer is linearly unstable to fluctuations tangential to the grafting plane. In the unstable regime, the grafted layer forms a "dimpled" surface in which the depth of, and the distance between, the dimples depend on chain length, solvent quality and grafting density. We also developed a two-dimensional self-consistent field model for grafted chains. The model allows us to explicitly calculate the density profiles for the grafted layer. These profiles clearly reveal the dimpled surface. Both methods are sufficiently general to be useful in examining a variety of problems involving polymers at interfaces.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)111-123
Number of pages13
JournalColloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Volume86
Issue numberC
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 13 1994

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

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