Conformations of random polyampholytes
We study the size R(g) of random polyampholytes (i.e., polymers with randomly charged monomers) as a function of their length N. All results of our extensive Monte Carlo simulations can be rationalized in terms of the scaling theory we develop for the Kantor-Kardar necklace model, although this theory neglects the quenched disorder in the charge sequence along the chain. We find <R(g)> approximately N1/2. The elongated globule model, the initial predictions of both Higgs and Joanny ( approximately N1/3) and Kantor and Kardar ( approximately N), and previous numerical estimates are ruled out.
Yamakov
V
Max-Planck-Institut fur Polymerforschung, Postfach 3148, D-55021 Mainz, Germany and Institute for Physical Chemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, G. Bonchev Street, Block 11, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Milchev
A
Jorg Limbach H
Dunweg
B
Everaers
R