A polymer end-tethered to a potential stripe: A simple example of an escape transition

E. M. Sevick*, D. R.M. Williams

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    23 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    We study the problem of a single ideal polymer chain tethered to a surface at the midpoint of a repulsive potential stripe. If the potential is very weak, the chain remains unperturbed. However, as the potential is increased, the chain conformation undergoes a sudden change. The chain forms a tether to the edge of the stripe and moves most of the monomers off to the region of lower potential. This is a simple example of an escape transition previously discussed for compression of polymer chains. We show how these two systems are analogous and clear up some controversy regarding the exact form of the force versus height curve for the compressive system.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)6841-6846
    Number of pages6
    JournalMacromolecules
    Volume32
    Issue number20
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 5 Oct 1999

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'A polymer end-tethered to a potential stripe: A simple example of an escape transition'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this