STATIC SCATTERING FROM MULTICOMPONENT POLYMER AND COPOLYMER SYSTEMS

Mathematical expressions for the scattering intensity of polymer solutions and of polymer blends are reviewed from both thermodynamic and mean-field points of view. A simple and general equation has been obtained that is equivalent to the classical Zimm equation. If one introduces the matrix [S] of the partial structure factors Sij, the matrix [x] of the form factors and concentrations, and the matrix [v] of the excluded volume parameters one can write quite generally [S]-1 = [x]-1 + [v]. This expression is valid for solutions of any copolymer and homopolymer mixtures, regardless of their structures, and can be easily transformed into expressions valid for polymer and copolymer blends. As an example, a formula has been developed (with the help of a computer program) for systems of polymers and copolymers containing three different types of monomers. This method allows us easily to obtain previous results and to predict new experimental possibilities. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.