BEHAVIOR OF AMPHIPHILIC COMB COPOLYMERS IN OIL-WATER MIXTURES - A MOLECULAR-DYNAMICS STUDY

We examine amphiphilic comb copolymers in which the backbone and side chains display different affinities toward water. Through molecular dynamics simulations, we alter the location of the hydrophobic segments and determine how these variations affect the structure of amphiphilic combs in solution. We also examine the behavior of these chains in oil/water mixtures. Finally, we investigate the interactions between two amphiphilic combs in two different solvents. Our aim is to isolate the factors that control cluster formation in these comb copolymers. Our results can aid in the molecular design of controlled-release pharmaceuticals, petroleum recovery agents, and viscosity modifiers for paints and coatings.