Theoretical investigation of polymers near surface of various molecular weights, architecture and external parameters by mean-field variable-density model

We extend our recently developed numerical self-consistent mean-field method in order to investigate polydisperse polymer near surfaces and polymer brushes of variable density in the interfacial region. The system studied is melt polypropylene of various architectures (linear or star) and various molecular weights (monodisperse or polydisperse) under constant external pressure. Our main goal is to systematically study the mechanical properties of interfacial systems between solid surfaces and polymer melts. The mechanical properties and especially the fracture dynamics are investigated by a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. The findings are supported and compared to several structural properties of the macromolecular interfacial system. Our results are in accordance to expected behavior and experimental data. [Display omitted]