Monte Carlo Calculation of Second Virial Coefficients for Linear and Star Chains in a Good Solvent

Abstract

Second virial coefficients and radii of gyration for an off-lattice model of linear and star polymer chains in a good solvent (or excluded volume conditions) have been obtained by means of a Monte Carlo method. The results are discussed in terms of the dimensionless interpenetration factor, which combines these two quantities. Comparisons with theoretical prediction from the renormalization group theory and with existing simulation and experimental data are performed for the different types of chains.