Monte Carlo simulation of block copolymers

Monte Carlo simulations deal with crudely simplified but well-defined model s and have the advantage that they treat the statistical thermodynamics of the considered model exactly (apart from statistical errors and problems du e to finite size effects). Therefore, these simulations are well suited to test Various approximate theories of block copolymer ordering, e.g. the sel f-consistent field theory. Recent examples of this approach include the stu dy of block copolymer ordering at melt surfaces and confinement effects in thin films, adsorption of block copolymers at interfaces of unmixed homopol ymer blends, the phase behavior of ternary mixtures of two homopolymers and their block copolymer, and micelle formation in selective solvents. (C) 20 00 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.