The effect of chain stiffness on the phase behaviour of isolated homopolymers

TL;DR

This study explores how chain stiffness influences the phase transitions of isolated homopolymer chains, revealing that increased stiffness suppresses the globular phase, leading to a direct transition from solid to coil.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the thermodynamics of homopolymer phase behavior, specifically demonstrating the impact of chain stiffness on phase transition temperatures.

Findings

Solid-globule transition temperature increases with stiffness

Weak dependence of θ-point on chain stiffness

Stiff chains bypass the globular phase, transitioning directly from solid to coil

Abstract

We have studied the thermodynamics of isolated homopolymer chains of varying stiffness using a lattice model. A complex phase behaviour is found; phases include chain-folded `crystalline' structures, the disordered globule and the coil. It is found, in agreement with recent theoretical calculations, that the temperature at which the solid-globule transition occurs increases with chain stiffness, whilst the $\theta$-point has only a weak dependence on stiffness. Therefore, for sufficiently stiff chains there is no globular phase and the polymer passes directly from the solid to the coil. This effect is analogous to the disappearance of the liquid phase observed for simple atomic systems as the range of the potential is decreased.