Adsorption of random copolymer on surfaces

(Received 2 December 1993, revised 27 May 1994, accepted 13 July 1994)

Abstract
The conformations adopted by random copolymers of two components adsorbed on a flat surface are studied by the use of a simulation technique. The simulation technique is based on the analytical equilibrium calculation of the Cluster Variational Method and is a generalization of the Cluster Growth Probability Method to the case when the probabilities include chemical bonds. The model used here assumes that the two copolymer components have different interaction energies with the surface. The changes in the physical and geometrical properties are studied as a function of the copolymer length and the interaction energies with the surface. The configuration of the adsorbed copolymers depends strongly on the interactions with the surface. The behavior of the copolymers shows some similarities with homopolymers, but also some differences are shown. The results shown here can be regarded as a guideline for controling some specific configurations adopted by the adsorbed copolymers on colloid particles.