Abstract
We review the current state on the thermodynamic behavior and structural phases of self- and mutually-attractive dilute semiflexible polymers that undergo temperature-driven transitions. In extreme dilution, polymers may be considered isolated, and this single polymer undergoes a collapse or folding transition depending on the internal structure. This may go as far as to stable knot phases. Adding polymers results in aggregation, where structural motifs again depend on the internal structure. We discuss in detail the effect of semiflexibility on the collapse and aggregation transition and provide perspectives for interesting future investigations.
Highlights
Understanding the basics of polymer chemistry and physics has been a subject of research for many decades
We focus on the statistical mechanics of aggregation in dilute homopolymer models
We provided a brief overview about the structural transitions and motifs that occur in a statistical mechanics description of dilute semiflexible polymers with self- and mutual attraction in a solvent
Summary
Understanding the basics of polymer chemistry and physics has been a subject of research for many decades. The understanding of microscopic processes and the involved transitions was facilitated by employing computer simulations, which have been drastically improved over the last few decades This approach is based on a (microscopic) statistical mechanics formulation of phase space with a proper Hamiltonian that incorporates all relevant interactions. This step may involve simplifications, such as implicit solvents or coarse-graining, to focus on the key processes of interest. Direct dynamical information is traded with the possibility to define suitable move sets between microstates and the flexibility to devise generalized ensembles that are especially tailored to the problem at hand This greatly improves the accuracy, often by many orders of magnitudes. This approach connects chemical or synthetic polymers, which can be rather flexible, and biopolymers, which are commonly rather stiff
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
