Abstract
We examined a simple model system of homopolymer solutions in 3D confined between two parallel and nonabsorbing surfaces and in equilibrium with a bulk solution and accurately calculated the effective interaction between the two surfaces using both lattice Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and self-consistent field (SCF) calculations. Our results here, when compared with those in 2D (Zhang, P.; Wang, Q., Macromolecules 2019, 52, 5777), quantitatively revealed that the fluctuation-induced intermediate-range repulsion between the two surfaces (i.e., the anti-Casimir effect) is about 1 order of magnitude stronger than the repulsion due solely to the finite chain length given by the SCF theory, is weaker but occurs over a broader range of surface separation in 3D than in 2D, and decreases with decreasing solvent quality. We also found for the first time a long-range attraction between the two surfaces (i.e., the Casimir effect) near the critical point of the bulk solution in both MC simulations and SCF calculations.
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.
