Collapse transition of two-dimensional flexible and semiflexible polymers

Abstract

The nature of the globule-coil transition of surface-confined polymers has been an issue of debate. Here this 2D collapse transition is studied through a partially directed lattice model. In the general case of polymers with positive bending stiffness (Δ>0), the collapse transition is first order; it becomes second order only in the limiting case of zero bending stiffness (Δ≡0). These analytical results are confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations. We also suggest some possible future experiments.