Using end-confined chains to model end-absorbing, triblock copolymers:: 2.: Numerical approach

The bridging attraction mediated by end-absorbing, triblock copolymers in a good solvent is analyzed using numerical methods and compared to analytical results. Good agreement is found. The main deviations may be attributed to the neglect of thermal fluctuations in the extension of the loops at the brush edge in the analytical treatment. With a suitable choice of "natural" units, the numerical results for the bridging probability and the free energy of interaction per chain collapse onto universal master curves in the two arrangements considered: symmetric and asymmetric adsorption of associative polymers (APs) on the surfaces of a planar slit.