Casimir Force between Nanoparticles Immersed in a Crosslinked Polymer Blend

摘要: We consider a crosslinked polymer blend made of two polymers different chemical nature. suppose that such system incorporates small colloidal particles, which prefer to be attracted by one polymer, close the spinodal temperature. This is so-called critical adsorption. As assumption, particle diameter, d0, considered enough in comparison with size microdomains (mesh size) ξ∗ ∼ an, — monomer and n number monomers between consecutive crosslinks. The fluctuations mixture induce pair-potential particles located non-preferred phase. purpose determination Casimir pair-potential, U2(r), as function interparticle distance r. To achieve calculations, use an extended de Gennes field theory takes into account colloid-polymer interactions. Within framework this theory, we first show pair-particle attractive. Second, find for potential exact form: U2(r)/kBT = −AH(d0/r) exp(−r/ξ∗) − BH(d0/r) exp(−2r/ξ∗), known universal amplitudes AH > 0 BH (the Hamaker constants). expression clearly shows differs from its homologue no crosslinks only exponential factors exp(−2r/ξ∗). main conclusion presence reticulations reduces substantially effect blends.