Detailed modeling of the volume fraction profile of adsorbed polymer layers using small-angle neutron scattering

A detailed analysis of on and off-contrast small-angle neutron scattering from poly(ethylene oxide)s adsorbed on polystyrene latex is presented. The results have been fitted to an exponential decay, self-consistent mean-field (SCF) and scaling models of the volume fraction profile. As the chain length increases a clear self-similar layer emerges in both the SCF and scaling profiles. The RMS thickness of the adsorbed layer in the plateau of the adsorption isotherm varies as M0.4 for both the SCF and scaling profiles but the exponential one however gives a much lower exponent consistent with the neglect of the tail or distal region. The new constrained version of the Scheutjens-Fleer model was able to predict the structure of the layer and hence the scattering with great accuracy.