Using end-confined chains to model end-absorbing, triblock copolymers: 1. Analytical approach

The bridging attraction, mediated by associative, triblock: copolymers with insoluble end blocks and a soluble spacer block, is analyzed using scaling arguments and analytical methods. Adsorbing these associative polymers (AP s) onto a single surface, the approach of another, bare, surface results in a strong bridging attraction. When both slit surfaces bear adsorbed APs, t he bridging attraction is much weaker. The main contribution is an entropic gain since bridge formation decreases the monomer number density in the cr owded region near the surface.