title: Theoretical model of interfacial polymerization.
abstract: We present a theoretical description for the creation of a thin polymeric layer through the interfacial polymerization of two immiscible, low molecular weight liquids. The theory specifically takes into account the effects of polydispersity on the formation of the polymer film at the liquid-liquid interface. Consequently, we can describe the structure of the growing film and the molecular weight distribution of the resultant polymer chains. We focus on a model system where alternating AB copolymers are formed at the interface between phase-separated, low molecular weight species A and B. It is assumed that any A(B) unit can reversibly attach to any available B(A) unit or B(A)-ended chain. The formation of the copolymer layer is described by a system of reaction-diffusion equations, which detail the chemical evolution and diffusive dynamics of the polydisperse mixture of AB copolymers around the interface, and the evolution of the interface itself. Using this model, we determine the effects of the chemical reaction rates and the initial conditions on the kinetics of forming the AB copolymer layer and the structure of this film.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. yashin@dorothy.che.pitt.edu
authors.forename: Victor V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Yashin
authors.forename: Anna C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Balazs