Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Preparation and Friction Force Microscopy Measurements of Immiscible, Opposing Polymer Brushes
Published on: December 24, 2014
A simple theory of the interaction between polymer brushes immersed in a supercritical fluid
Alexander I Chervanyov1, S A Egorov
1Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA. chervany@egor1.chem.virginia.edu
Abstract:
We use a simple two-order parameter model to describe the interaction between the brushes of polymers terminally attached to flat surfaces immersed in a supercritical solvent. Our approach makes it possible to take into account the high compressibility of the supercritical solvent, which proves to give a significant contribution to the disjoining force acting between polymer brushes. Our theory explains why the interaction between brushes can change from repulsive to attractive with decreasing solvent density. This theoretical finding is verified by making a comparison with recent computer simulations. A reasonably good agreement between the results of the present theory and the simulations is found.
Related Concept Videos
The Colloidal State
Colloids
Fluid Mosaic Model
Solubility
A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of a solvent, the major component, and a solute, the minor component. The physical state of a solution—solid, liquid, or gas—is typically the same as that of the solvent. Solute concentrations are often described with qualitative terms such as dilute (of relatively low concentration) and concentrated (of relatively high concentration).
In a solution, the solute particles (molecules, atoms, and/or ions)...
Capillarity in Fluid
Surface tension is crucial to capillarity. It results from cohesive forces between liquid molecules at the liquid-air boundary, forming a skin that resists external forces. When the capillary tube...

