A mean field continuum model has been used to predict the free energy of interaction between the layers of polymer chains grafted on two plane parallel plates. Four cases are considered:  (a) a single plate with tethered chains, (b) two plates with equal amount of tethered chains on both plates, (c) tethering only on one plate, the other plate being bare, and (d) tethered loops on two plates. The predicted force−distance profiles are compared with the experimental data, reported in the literature, on interaction of polystyrene chains grafted on mica surface, with toluene as the solvent. The tethered amount is estimated from the regression of the experimental data. The predicted and the experimental profiles are in good agreement except for the case of short tethered loops. Moreover, in the experiment where the tethered amount is reported, the regression estimate closely matches with the actual value. In the cases where the tethered amount is not reported, the estimates of the same show the correct trend. Moreover, the estimated critical distance between the plates at which the tethered layers begin to interact also matches with the experimentally measured values. The present continuum model correctly accounts for the stiffness of the polymer chain and the difference in the size of the Kuhn segment and the solvent molecule. The predictions of the present theory are compared with those of the SCF lattice model of Scheutjens and Fleer.

An algorithm is developed for simulating adsorption of tree type block‐branched copolymer chains, of arbitrary architecture, from dilute solutions to solid surfaces. A continuum form of the self‐consistent field (SCF) theory is used. The chain architecture is first represented by a convergent tree‐graph, which is then converted into a special type of the connectivity matrix. This matrix is used for computing the configurational statistics of the chains in the adsorbed layer. The crucial step in the algorithm is to compute the junction (branch point) probability weights. A stepwise procedure for computing these probability weights is described. The capability of the algorithm has been demonstrated using illustrative examples.magnified image