Self-Consistent Field Theories of the Polymer Excluded Volume Problem. I Edwards' Functional Integral Approach

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Edwards' formal function integral approach to the polymer excluded volume problem is reinvestigated in order to further elucidate the underlying simple physical principles and to generalize the results. The functional integral representation is shown to be equivalent to a hierarchy of equations which resembles the standard many body problems. Edwards' self-consistent field (SCF) theory of excluded volume follows upon introduction of the appropriate Markovian approximation into the lowest member of the hierarchy. The use of this approximation in the next member leads to a SCF theory which is almost identical to that which follows from Reiss' variational approach. These two approximations are also directly obtained from the functional integral representation where special emphasis is placed upon showing how the chain end point(s) become(s) the origin(s) of the SCF. Comparisons are made between the results of these formal theories and both Reiss' approach and some diagrammatic approaches to the polymer excluded volume problem.

This publication has 25 references indexed in Scilit: