A New Scaling Theory of Semiflexible Polymer Phases Near Attracting Surfaces

(Received 18 August 1996, revised 16 May 1997, accepted 26 May 1997)

Abstract
The finite chain backbone stiffness in polymers gives rise to a number of novel behaviors described on short length scales. We analyze the semiflexible polymer phases near surfaces using a new scaling theory, incorporating the surface attraction in terms of its range and depth. It is found that the phase diagram includes five different phases: desorbed, weakly-adsorbed with both isotropic and nematic-type distribution of polymer segments inside the potential well, strongly-adsorbed states with the isotropic and nematic-type distribution. We draw conclusions on the orders of the transitions between the phases.