Simulation studies of permeation through two-dimensional ideal polymer networks

Abstract

We study the diffusion process through an ideal polymer network, using numerical methods. Polymers are modeled by random walks on the bonds of a two-dimensional square lattice. Molecules occupy the lattice cells and may jump to the nearest-neighbor cells, with probability determined by the occupation of the bond separating the two cells. Subjected to a concentration gradient across the system, a constant average current flows in the steady state. Its behavior appears to be a non-trivial function of polymer length, mass density and temperature, for which we offer qualitative explanations.