Conformational properties of macromolecular pyramoids and their potential use as nano-containers.
We study the macroscopic behavior of a pyramid-like nano-construct made of linear macromolecular chains. The average mean square end-to-end distances of the six edges of the pyramoid are evaluated by means of the Gaussian chain model and are found smaller than those of free chains because of architecture confinement. We also evaluate the average areas of the four faces which give a first estimate of the open windows towards the interior space of the macromolecular construct and its loading capacity. The average volume of the polymeric nano-container, which provides a measure of its interior emptiness and carrying ability, is estimated as well. The density of monomers at each point of the construct shows the three-dimensional character of the nano-cage and the location of its entrances and voids.
Chemistry Department, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece. mkosmas@cc.uoi.gr
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Kosmas
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Efthymiopoulos