Structure of adsorbed polymer layers

Abstract

We present a mean-field study of adsorbed polymer layers based on the propagator description introduced by Edwards. This description preserves chain connectivity and allows one to distinguish between monomers belonging to adsorbed chains (touching the surface) and those belonging to free chains. Special attention is given to the adsorbance (amount of polymer chains touching the surface) and to the end-point concentration. The structure of the layer is also discussed in terms of trains trapped in the layer and large loops dangling in the solvent. Some of the results are extended beyond mean field.