Abstract
Interaction between flexible-chain polymers and small (nanometric) colloidal particles is studied by Monte Carlo simulation using two-dimensional and three-dimensional lattice models. Spatial distribution of colloidal particles and conformational characteristics of chains in a semidilute solution are considered as a function of the segment adsorption energy, ɛ. When adsorption is sufficiently strong, it induces effective attraction of polymer segments, which results in contraction of macromolecular coils. The strongly adsorbing polymer chains affect the equilibrium spatial distribution of the colloidal particles. The average size of colloidal aggregates <m> exhibits a nontrivial behavior: with ɛ increasing, the value of <m> first decreases and then begins to grow. The adsorption polycomplex formed at strong adsorption exhibits a mesoscopic scale of structural heterogeneity. The results of computer simulations are in a good agreement with predictions of the analytic theory [P.G. Khalatur, L.V. Zherenkova and A.R. Khokhlov (1997) J Phys II (France) 7:543] based on the integral RISM equation technique.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 4 August 1997 Accepted: 16 April 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Zherenkova, L., Mologin, D., Khalatur, P. et al. Interaction between small colloidal particles and polymer chains in a semidilute solution: Monte Carlo simulation. Colloid Polym Sci 276, 753–768 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003960050308
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003960050308