Volume Expansion of Branched Polymers

Abstract

The excluded volume effects of randomly branched polymers are investigated. To approach this problem we assume the Gaussian distribution of segments around the center of gravity. Once this approximation is introduced, we can make use of the same method as employed for linear molecules. By simulating a model-polymer system, it is found that the excluded volume effects of branched polymers are manifested pronouncedly under any conditions from the dilution limit to the melt, including the $\Theta$ state; every result satisfies the restraining condition: $⟨s^2{⟩}^{1/2}\ge N^{1/d}$ in accord with our experiences. As a result the Gaussian approximation extracts the essential features of the excluded volume effects of branched molecules.

14 pages, 6 figures, 1 table. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1606.03929

References in corpus (3)

• Computer simulations of melts of randomly branching polymers
• Minor Amendment of the Local Free Energy
• Coil Dimensions as a Function of Concentration

Cited by in corpus (2)

• Diffusion and Chemical Potential in Polymer Solutions
• Segment Distribution around the Center of Gravity of Branched Polymers