Anomalous structure factor of dense star polymer solutions

TL;DR

This paper theoretically investigates the unique behavior of the structure factor in dense star polymer solutions, revealing unconventional peak variations with increasing density, and concludes the system remains fluid for low arm numbers.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical analysis of the anomalous structure factor behavior in dense star polymer solutions, highlighting the unusual peak dynamics above the overlap concentration.

Findings

First peak decreases with increasing density

Second peak grows as density increases

System remains fluid for arm numbers $f \,\leq\, 32$

Abstract

The core-core structure factor of dense star polymer solutions in a good solvent is shown theoretically to exhibit an unusual behaviour above the overlap concentration. Unlike usual liquids, these solutions display a structure factor whose first peak decreases by increasing density while the second peak grows. The scenario repeats itself with the subsequent peaks as the density is further enhanced. For low enough arm numbers $f$ ($f \leq 32$), various different considerations lead to the conclusion that the system remains fluid at all concentrations.