Interaction of Colloidal Particles with Macromolecules: The RISM Integral Equation Theory

P. Khalatur , L. Zherenkova , A. Khokhlov

A microscopic theory of the mixtures of polymer chains and colloidal particles immersed in a common solvent is developed on the basis of the RISM integral equation technique. The obtained general equations enable the calculation of the correlation functions and thermodynamic characteristics of the system at an arbitrary ratio of the components. The theory is used for a comprehensive study of interaction of small spherical particles with flexible polymer chains in the regimes of weak and strong adsorption of the macromolecules on the surface of the particles. The temperature and concentration regions characterized by different effect of the polymer on stability of the colloidal dispersion are determined. The corresponding temperature–concentration diagrams of state are constructed.

Domaines: Articles anciens

P. Khalatur, L. Zherenkova, A. Khokhlov. Interaction of Colloidal Particles with Macromolecules: The RISM Integral Equation Theory. Journal de Physique II, 1997, 7 (4), pp.543-582. ⟨10.1051/jp2:1997145⟩. ⟨jpa-00248462⟩