(540c) Phase Transition in Polymer Brushes and Its Implication to Surface Forces

Polymer brushes can be used, e.g., to stabilize colloids, reduce friction between surfaces and to provide lubrication in artificial joints. In this talk, we will present results from the polymer density-functional theory calculations on the structure, phase behavior and colloidal forces at various solution conditions. The implication of theoretical predictions to relevant experiments, in particular, for fabrication of protein-resistant surfaces, will also be discussed.