Comment on "Effects of topological constraints on linked ring polymers in solvents of varying quality" by Z. A. Dehaghani, I. Chubak, C. N. Likos and M. R. Ejtehadi, Soft Matter, 2020, 16, 3029.

Abstract

This comment critically evaluates the work of Dehaghani et al., who investigated the conformational behavior of catenated polymers under diverse solvent conditions using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. While their study provides valuable insights into the scaling behavior of poly[n]catenane's radius of gyration in a good solvent, significant discrepancies arise, particularly concerning the reported θ-temperature trends. The validity of their methodology in determining θ-temperatures for linear and ring polymers is questioned, given observed disparities in chosen number of bead ranges that imply varying molecular weights. This comment underscores the need for a meticulous reassessment of the methodologies and interpretations presented in Dehaghani et al.'s study, emphasizing the importance of rigorous considerations in the investigation of the physical properties of catenated polymers.