Menue

Publications

Authors Kreer, T. ; Balko, S. M.
Title Scaling theory for compressed polymer-brush bilayers
Date 15.10.2013
Number 37022
Abstract We present a novel scaling theory to describe the interaction free energy within a compressed polymer-brush bilayer. For semidilute brushes at intermediate and strong compressions, we predict that the interaction free energy scales with distance, D, between the grafting surfaces as A(D) D–2.5; i.e., the repulsive force, f(D) D–3.5, measured at the surfaces increases more strongly upon compression than predicted by the classical theory of Milner, Witten, and Cates. We find good agreement with experimental data and excellent agreement with numerical results, which follow our analytical predictions over a wide range of surface separations. The theory is based on the assumption of a strong correlation of the repulsive force and the interpenetration between the brushes. Using our numerical data, we can demonstrate this correlation with great precision.
Publisher ACS Macro Letters
Wikidata
Citation ACS Macro Letters 2 (2013) 944-947
DOI https://doi.org/10.1021/mz4004387
Tags

Back to list