Eur. Phys. J. E 4, 399-402
Polyelectrolyte brushes with specific charge distribution: Mean-field lattice theory
N.P. Shusharina and P. LinsePhysical Chemistry 1, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, S-221 00 Lund, Sweden Nadezhda.Shusharina@.fkem1.lu.se
(Received 30 August 2000)
Abstract
A novel polymer system containing charged diblock polymers grafted onto a
planar surface, simple salt and solvent has been considered in the framework
of a mean-field lattice theory. On the basis of predicted volume fraction
profiles of polymer segments, free ends, block junctions, and small ions, a
detailed picture of the system has emerged. It is found that the
structure of the polymer brush is decisively dependent of the relative charge
of the blocks. For certain conditions, bimodal profiles appear which
demonstrate the simultaneous presence of two types of chain conformations,
one coiled and one stretched.
36.20.-r - Macromolecules and polymer molecules.
82.65.-i - Surface and interface chemistry.
07.05.Tp - Computer modeling and simulation.
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag 2001
