Using end-confined chains to model end-absorbing, triblock copolymers : 1. Analytical approach

• The bridging attraction, mediated by associative, triblock copolymers with insoluble end blocks and a soluble spacer block, is analyzed using scaling arguments and analytical methods. Adsorbing these associative polymers (APs) onto a single surface, the approach of another, bare, surface results in a strong bridging attraction. When both slit surfaces bear adsorbed APs, the bridging attraction is much weaker. The main contribution is an entropic gain since bridge formation decreases the monomer number density in the crowded region near the surface.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Adsorption

Mathematical models

Molecular structure

Monomers

Numerical methods

Solubility

Bridging attraction

Mean-field model

Block copolymers

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)