AGGREGATION IN GRAFTED POLYMERS WITH ATTRACTIVE END-GROUPS

We used Monte Carlo computer simulations to determine the properties o f grafted polymers that contain attractive functional groups (''sticke rs'') on the free ends of the chains. By varying the number of sticker s and the grafting density, we isolated conditions that drive the chai ns to aggregate into clusters. We also observed that the attraction be tween the stickers effectively ''pulls'' the chain ends from the bulk of the brush and localizes these sites to the top of the grafted layer . The results provide guidelines for tailoring polymer brushes that di splay enhanced adhesive properties.