| Abstract: | We have shown that the rectilinear conformation of a 2D comb-like polymer with symmetrical left-right distribution of the side chains relative to the backbone is thermodynamically unstable. The minimum of the free energy of the comb molecule per unit of its length is attained at asymmetrical distribution of the side chains accompanied by the bending of the backbone. The curved conformation is characterized by a lower elastic energy of the side chains.Received: 11 August 2003, Published online: 4 November 2003PACS: 82.35.Jk Copolymers, phase transitions, structure - 89.75.Fb Structures and organization in complex systems |
