Distribution of end of polymer in the filler-filled material is simulated using self-consistent field method. In our simulation results, the segregation of ends of polymer can be found at the interface of filler, though the depletion region of ends is also existed around the region in the distance of Rg from filler. Sizes and shape of filler are affected to the segregation of ends of polymer, and in the cases of smaller or spherical fillers, the density of ends of polymer near the interface of filler increases. These results can be explained by the entropic effect of polymer chain ends. The segregation of ends contributes to the stabilization of interface of filler adding the entropic part of free energy.
- Hiroshi Morita
- Masatoshi Toda
- Takashi Honda
