POLYMER-POLYMER CORRELATIONS IN THE SOLUTION-STATE

We examine the average 2-point monomer correlation function of distinc t polymer chains in solution, and discuss the effect of repulsion when two polymer clouds are close to each other. A prediction is given for the asymptotic behaviour of the distinct structure function, which va ries as q(-d) in good solvents. This dependence is discussed in terms of the field-theoretical analog, revealing also the contribution of a higher non-analytic q-dependent term. The prediction for the asymptoti c behaviour is confronted to a neutron small-angle scattering experime nt in a semi-dilute polymer solution.