Characterization of the theta state and transition curves of off-lattice three dimensional chains

Abstract

We have performed a Monte Carlo study of the dimensions (radius of gyration) and the intrinsic viscosity for three dimensional linear chains of different lengths. The chains are composed of Gaussian units which interact through a 6–12 Lennard-Jones potential. From the study of the radius of gyration, the theta state has been characterized for this model. Moreover, the results for different temperatures and chain lengths have been plotted in terms of transition curves in order to analyze the collapse and excluded volume limiting behaviors. Also, a lower bound for the viscosity parameter Φ has been obtained in the theta state, as well as in the collapse and excluded volume regimes.