EXPANSION OF POLYMER COILS IN MISCIBLE POLYMER BLENDS OF ASYMMETRIC COMPOSITION

Monte Carlo three-dimensional lattice simulations of the expansion behavior of homopolymer chains in a miscible blend have been performed for asymmetric blend compositions. Chain expansion coefficients were calculated as a function of segmental interaction energy and composition. Substantial expansions of the minority chains were found as the compositional asymmetry increased, a result in accord with recent experimental observations. The calculations also are in good agreement with predictions of chain expansions as a function of interaction energy.