On the swelling properties of pom-pom polymers in dilute solutions. Part 2: asymmetric case

• Published in: arXiv.org
• Main Authors: Haydukivska, Khristine, Kalyuzhnyi, Ostap, Blavatska, Viktoria, Ilnytskyi, Jaroslav
• Format: Paper
• Language: English
• Published: Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 28.03.2022
• Subjects: Anisotropy; Asymmetry; Polymers; Topology

The paper is a follow-up of our previous study (K. Haydukivska, O. Kalyuzhnyi, V. Blavatska, J. Ilnytskyi, J. Mol. Liq. 238, 115456 (2021)) of complex molecules with two branching points of functionalities \(f_1\) and \(f_2\), known as the pom-pom polymers. Here, we analyze the asymmetric case, \(f_1 \neq f_2\), by applying both the analytical approach, based on the direct polymer renormalization, and computer simulations using both dissipative particle dynamics and Monte Carlo methods. We study the role played by the molecular asymmetry in average polymer conformations, considering the infinite dilution regime and good solvent conditions.The quantitative estimates are reported for the set of universal size and shape characteristics of such molecules and for their individual branches, all being the functions of \(f_1\) and \(f_2\). In particular, we evaluate the size ratio of the gyration radii of symmetric and asymmetric pom-pom topologies with the same molecular weight and quantitatively reveal an increase of effective size of molecule caused by its asymmetry. We also suggest and analyse the asymmetry factor and estimate the shift of the center of mass caused by the presence of side stars, which can serve as another characteristic of the asymmetry of pom-pom structure.