Core-shell structures in single flexible-semiflexible block copolymers: Finding the free energy minimum for the folding transition

Natsuhiko Yoshinaga, Kenichi Yoshikawa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We investigate the folding transition of a single diblock copolymer consisting of a semiflexible and a flexible block. We obtain a Saturn-shaped core-shell conformation in the folded state, in which the flexible block forms a core and the semiflexible block wraps around it. We demonstrate two distinctive features of the core-shell structures: (i) The kinetics of the folding transition in the copolymer are significantly more efficient than those of a semiflexible homopolymer. (ii) The core-shell structure does not depend on the transition pathway.

Original languageEnglish
Article number044902
JournalJournal of Chemical Physics
Volume127
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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