Langmuir, Vol.9, No.12, 3402-3407, 1993
Interactions Between Linear-Polymers and Amphiphilic Combs in Water - A Molecular-Dynamics Study
Using molecular dynamics computer simulations, we examined the interactions between comb copolymers, which contain hydrophobic blocks, and linear amphiphilic chains. Through hydrophobic interactions, certain combs could effectively adsorb or "grab" specific chains from an aqueous solution and then solubilize these chains within their hydrophobic cores. Consequently, these combs can act as "molecular tweezers". These tweezers display a selectivity in terms of the hydrophobicity and molecular weight of the linear chains. Thus, the combs would be effective in separation processes, controlled release applications, and dispersion polymerization reactions. Our observations provide guidelines for tailoring the comb architecture to optimize its activity in these various applications.