Comb-like macromolecule conformation in smectic phase. Interpretation of neutron-scattering data

Abstract

Simple theoretical considerations allow us to define the conformation of the macromolecule main chain from neutron experiment data. The macromolecular chain in the smectic phase is divided into quasi-two-dimensional coils randomly placed in different smectic layers. The size of these coils is independent of the polymer molecular weight. The two-dimensional sub-coils are connected with each other by a number of crossings of the layers. They can be considered as defects of the smectic phase. The model proposed here allows us to calculate the number of defects from the radius of gyration of the smectic macromolecule which was measured by small angle neutron scattering