Monte Carlo simulations of the interface between polymer melts and solids.Effects of chain stiffness

Full Paper: This paper presents the results of a comparative Monte Carlo st udy of the influence of chain stiffness on the properties of dense systems of chain molecules near solid surfaces. All relevant properties of the inte rface (molecular packing, conformational distribution, dynamics) are modifi ed by the inclusion of an intrinsic stiffness. Among the others, the densit y and degree of order of the first layer of units in contact with the surfa ces and the thickness of the interfacial region increase with increasing ch ain stiffness, while the center of mass mobility near the surfaces and in t he bulk shows a maximum for model chains with stiffness comparable to polym ethylene. [GRAPHICS]