Eur. Phys. J. E 5, 59-64
Polyelectrolytes tethered to a free surface
F. Dubreuil and P. GuenounService de Physique de l'État Condensé, Orme des Merisiers, C.E.A. Saclay, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France guenoun@drecam.saclay.cea.fr or pguenoun@cea.fr
(Received 9 May 2000)
Abstract
Several attempts have been already carried out in order to tether charged chains
by an end at a free fluctuating surface. We review here most of these attempts
and focus on how close the physics of charged brushes can be investigated by
such an approach. We first describe results about films of charged-neutral diblock
copolymers spread at the surface of water. Results can be mostly rationalized
in terms of charged brushes although additional structurations and fluctuations
of the interface can be observed. The latter deformations are also observed
when adsorbed layers of charged-neutral diblock copolymers are considered. At
last, we examine how free suspended films of charged-neutral diblock copolymers
can be viewed as two opposing charged brushes, both in terms of thickness and
pressure.
68.10.Cr - Surface energy (surface tension, interface tension, angle of contact, etc.).
68.15.+e - Liquid Thin Films.
61.25.Hq - Macromolecular and polymer solutions; polymer melts; swelling.
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag 2001
