Random Copolymers with Short-Range Interaction in the Equilibrium State: Mean Field Approximation and Numerical Studies

Abstract

We study macromolecules with quenched random charge disorder along the chain and short-range interactions between the monomers. Within a mean-field approach a collapse of a chain with increasing disorder is found, which becomes more pronounced for long chains. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the same tendency, though the actual shape of the radius of gyration as a function of the disorder is different and reflects the finite length of a chain.