Abstract
A theory for the coupled translational and conformational equilibrium in colloidal suspensions stabilized by coatings of charged or neutral polymers is presented. The theory combines a Monte Carlo calculation of an ideal chain in a mean field of its neighbors with Ornstein-Zernike integral equations that describe the electric double layer and inter-colloid correlations, and gives the local monomer densities, counter-ion distributions, and center-of-mass pair correlation functions, as well as concomitant structure and form factors and thermodynamic functions. It is shown that (1) the polymer chains can simultaneously exhibit crystalline, flexible-rod, and disordered regions, depending on the distance from the colloid surface, charge, and extent of screening; (2) local electro-neutrality is obeyed down to scales of roughly a Debye length; (3) there is very little inter-penetration of the polymer layers, even for neutral polymer chains in moderately good solvents. Finally, continuum descriptions of the polymer are presented and solved.
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 callMore From: Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications
Disclaimer: 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.
