Polymer Conformation

Synonyms

Conformation of adsorbed polymers at interfaces

Definition

The polymer conformation describes the adsorbed layer structure at the interface. A model was suggested in which each polymer molecule is attached in sequences separated by bridges which extend into solution. In other words, not all the segments of a macromolecule are in contact with the surface. The segments which are in direct contact with the surface are termed “trains”; those in between and extended into solution are termed “loops”; the free ends of the macromolecule also extending in solution are termed “tails.” Several conformations have been suggested for block and graft copolymers. A block copolymer is a linear arrangement of blocks of variable monomer composition. The nomenclature for a diblock is poly-A-block-poly-B and for a triblock is poly-A-block-poly-B-poly-A. An example of an A-B diblock is polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide). In this case, the “anchor” chain B forms small loops that become attached...