Publications


Title : Core-shell structures in single flexible-semiflexible block copolymers: Finding the free energy minimum for the folding transition

Language: English
Type: Article
Authors: Natsuhiko Yoshinaga and Kenichi Yoshikawa
Journal: Journal of Chemical Physics
ISSN: 0021-9606
Volume: 127
Number: 4
Month: 7
Year: 2007
Actual year: 2007
Pages: 32767-5
doi:   10.1063/1.2753838
Abstract: We investigate the folding transition of a single diblock copolymer consisting of a semiflexible and a flexible block. We obtain a Saturn-shaped core-shell conformation in the folded state, in which the flexible block forms a core and the semiflexible block wraps around it. We demonstrate two distinctive features of the core-shell structures: (i) The kinetics of the folding transition in the copolymer are significantly more efficient than those of a semiflexible homopolymer. (ii) The core-shell structure does not depend on the transition pathway. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.

"Core-shell structures in single flexible-semiflexible block copolymers: Finding the free energy minimum for the folding transition"

Natsuhiko Yoshinaga and Kenichi Yoshikawa, Journal of Chemical Physics, 127, 32767-5 (2007)