Effect of confinement on coil-globule transition

Original · EN

The equilibrium thermodynamic properties of a linear polymer chain confined to a space between two impenetrable walls (lines) at a distance D under various solvent conditions have been studied using series analysis and exact enumeration technique. We have calculated the end to end distance of polymer chain, which shows a non-monotonic behaviour with inter wall ᵐ separation D. The density distribution profile shows a maxima at a particular value of (D=)D*. Around this D*, our results show that the collapseᵐ transition occurs at higher temperature as compared to its bulk value of 2d and 3d. The variation of θ- temperature with D shows a re-entrance behaviour. We also calculate the force of compression exerted by the walls (lines) on the polymer.