Chapter 7
Modified iSAFT: Extension to
inhomogenous branched polymers
7.1 Introduction
Polymers confined between solid surfaces to form thin films are a classical exam-
ple of inhomogeneous polymer systems. Understanding the microstructure of these
polymer films is of fundamental importance for many technological processes such
as lubrication, adhesion, coatings, paints, printing inks, chromatography, membrane
separations, and preparation of nanocomposites [249, 250] and biomedical applica-
tions such as surface modification of medical implants like artificial heart valves, and
joint prostheses [251, 252]. Knowledge of the structure is also critically important
to understanding the dynamics of these confined polymers, which is relevant to the
mechanical properties of thin films, such as in nanocomposites [253].
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