Conformational entropy of a polymer chain grafted to rough surfaces

Abstract

A polymer molecule (represented by a statistical chain) end-grafted to a topologically rough surface was studied by static MC simulations. A modified self-avoiding walk on a cubic lattice was used to model the polymer in an athermal solution. Different statistical models of surface roughness were applied. Conformational entropies of chains attached to uncorrelated Gaussian, Brownian, and fractional Brownian surfaces were calculated. Results were compared with the predictions of a simple analytical model of a macromolecule end-grafted to a fractal surface. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2012 The Author(s).