Monte Carlo simulations reveal the straightening of an end-grafted flexible chain with a rigid side chain.
We have studied the conformational properties of a flexible end-grafted chain (length N) with a rigid side chain (length S) by means of Monte Carlo simulations. Depending on the lengths N and S and the branching site b, we observe a considerable straightening of the flexible backbone as quantified via the gyration tensor. For b = N, i.e., when attaching the side chain to the free end of the flexible backbone, the effect was strongest.
Hellmann
Marcel
M
Institut für Theoretische Physik, Philosophenweg 19, Universität Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Weiss
Matthias
M
Heermann
Dieter W
DW