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arXiv · 1901.10844

Self-Consistent Field Theory of Inhomogeneous Polymeric Systems: A Variational Derivation

An-Chang Shi
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Abstract

The self-consistent field theory (SCFT) is a powerful framework for the study of the phase behavior and structural properties of many-body systems. In particular, polymeric SCFT has been successfully applied to inhomogeneous polymeric systems such as polymer blends and block copolymer melts. The polymeric SCFT is commonly derived using field-theoretical techniques. Here we provide an alternative derivation of the SCFT equations and SCFT free energy functional using a variational principle. Numerical methods of solving the SCFT equations and applications of the SCFT are also briefly introduced.

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An-Chang Shi. 2019-01-30. Self-Consistent Field Theory of Inhomogeneous Polymeric Systems: A Variational Derivation. https://doi.org/10.1002/adts.201800188

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