Abstract
We present a statistical-mechanical analysis of a system of randomly cross-linked macromolecules, focusing on the emergence of random static-density fluctuations as thesolidification transition is approached. In mean-field theory the problem can be formulated interms of a single macromolecule in an effective random potential. The distribution of the randompotential, which must be calculated self-consistently, determines all moments of the static-density fluctuations. We find that the solidification transition occurs when an infinite network ofcross-linked macromolecules is formed, and that a sequence of nonlinear density responsefunctions diverges simultaneously at this transition.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 451-456 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | EPL |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 20 1993 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy(all)