Anomalous structure factor of dense star polymer solutions

Abstract

The core-core structure factor of dense star polymer solutions in a good solvent is shown theoretically to exhibit an unusual behaviour above the overlap concentration. Unlike usual liquids, these solutions display a structure factor whose first peak decreases by increasing density while the second peak grows. The scenario repeats itself with the subsequent peaks as the density is further enhanced. For low enough arm numbers $f$ ($f \leq 32$), various different considerations lead to the conclusion that the system remains fluid at all concentrations.