Monte Carlo simulations reveal the straightening up of an end-grafted flexible chain with a rigid side chain

Abstract

We have studied the conformational properties of a flexible end-grafted chain (length $N$) with a rigid side chain (length $S$) by means of Monte Carlo simulations. Depending on the lengths $N$ and $S$ and the branching site, $b$, we observe a considerable straightening of the flexible backbone as quantified via the gyration tensor. For $b=N$, i.e. when attaching the side chain to the free end of the flexible backbone, the effect was strongest.