Attraction of Helical Polymers

Statistical mechanics of double-helical polymers.

We introduce a simple geometric model for a double-stranded and double-helical polymer. We study the statistical mechanics of such polymers using both analytical techniques and simulations. Our model has a single energy scale which determines both the bending and twisting rigidity of the polymer. The helix melts at a particular temperature T(c) below which the chain has a helical structure and ...

Poly(iminomethylenes): Rigid Rod Helical Polymers

Poly(iminomethylenes): Rigid Rod Helical Polymers

Chiral molecule adsorption on helical polymers.

We present a lattice model for helicity induction on an optically inactive polymer due to the adsorption of exogenous chiral amine molecules. The system is mapped onto a one-dimensional Ising model characterized by an on-site polymer helicity variable and an amine occupancy one. The equilibrium properties are analyzed in the limits of strong coupling between helicity induction and amine adsorpt...

Poly(iminomethylenes): Rigid Rod Helical Polymers