Theory of polymer chains tethered at interfaces

Using self-consistent field calculations and scaling analysis, we determined the property of polymers that are tethered onto impenetrable, solid surfaces or adsorbed onto penetrable interfaces. In the case of impenetrable solids, we consider homogeneous walls, as well as surfaces containing chemically distinct patterns. These findings provide guidelines for tailoring the morphology of the polymer layer and thereby controling the interaction between polymer-coated surfaces. In particular, we pinpoint routes for creating ordered arrays of polymer-coated colloidal particles. The results also yield prescriptions for creating laterally patterned polymer films, which are useful in device applications. In the case of penetrable interfaces, we examine the adsorption of polymers into layers of tethered chains. These studies yield design criteria for creating selective filtration and separation systems, and insight into how adsorbing chains interact with a soft, responsive surface.