Monte Carlo Simulation and Mean Field Analysis of Two-Dimensional Random Copolymer/Homopolymer Blends

A two-dimensional system consisting of a mixture of a random copolymer and a homopolymer is investigated in some detail. Segregation and chain interpenetration are discussed as a function of the strength of the intramolecular repulsion effect. Equations to deal with these phenomena are derived and compared with Monte Carlo simulations. The possibility that polymers which are immiscible in three dimensions become miscible in two dimensions is discussed. The Monte Carlo calculations show that, besides intermolecular chain ordering and slight chain interpenetration, the intramolecular repulsion effect induces an internal reorganization of the random copolymers. Arguments that this will be true for many blends of homopolymers as well are given