The temperature-concentration diagram of state for solutions of comb-like macromolecules

Abstract

A theory for the conformations of comb-like polymers in solution has been developed by the scaling method. The local conformational structure and dimensions of such macromolecules have been studied over a wide range of change in solvent quality and solution concentration. The characteristic feature of the behaviour of solutions of comb-like and other branched macromolecules is the existence of a quasi-globular regime for semidilute solutions. In this regime, discrete macromolecules overlap, but their internal regions, close to the comb-like axes, are segregated.