COMPUTER-SIMULATIONS OF SELF-ASSEMBLING COMB COPOLYMERS

Using Monte Carlo computer simulations, we examine the aggregation of a dilute solution of amphiphilic comb copolymers. We first consider co mbs that are composed of solvophobic teeth and a solvophilic backbone and determine how the strength of the interaction between the solvopho bic teeth affects the self-assembly of these chains. Subsequently, we vary the number and length of the teeth, and establish how these struc tural variations affect the morphology of the aggregates in the soluti on. We finally compare the association behavior of these copolymers to combs that contain solvophobic backbones and solvophilic teeth and to linear amphiphilic chains. The results provide guidelines for synthes izing copolymers that act as effective viscosity modifiers and form am phiphilic networks for biomedical applications.