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Dynamics of Collapse of flexible Polyelectrolytes and Polyampholytes

Namkyung Lee, D. Thirumalai

cond-mat.softarXiv:cond-mat/0001094

Abstract

We provide a theory for the dynamics of collapse of strongly charged polyelectrolytes (PEs) and flexible polyampholytes (PAs) using Langevin equation. After the initial stage, in which counterions condense onto PE, the mechanism of approach to the globular state is similar for PE and PA. In both instances, metastable pearl-necklace structures form in characteristic time scale that is proportional to N4/5 where N is the number of monomers. The late stage of collapse occurs by merger of clusters with the largest one growing at the expense of smaller ones (Lifshitz- Slyozov mechanism). The time scale for this process TCOLL N. Simulations are used to support the proposed collapse mechanism for PA and PE.

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