Using end-confined chains to model end-absorbing, triblock copolymers: 2. Numerical approach

The bridging attraction mediated by end-absorbing, triblock copolymers in a good solvent is analyzed using numerical methods and compared to analytica l results. Good agreement is found. The main deviations may be attributed t o the neglect of thermal fluctuations in the extension of the loops at the brush edge in the analytical treatment. With a suitable choice of "natural" units, the numerical results for the bridging probability and the free ene rgy of interaction per chain collapse onto universal master curves in the t wo arrangements considered: symmetric and asymmetric adsorption of associat ive polymers (APs) on the surfaces of a planar slit.