Complexes of Block Copolymers in Solution: A Graph-Theoretical Approach

We determine the statistical properties of block copolymers in solution. These complexes are assumed to have the topological structure of connected graphs with "nonnested" loops and cycles. The generating function method is used to determine the number of topologically different complexes containing a given number of block copolymers. It is shown that at sufficiently high concentration the system undergoes a transition to a gel phase. Furthermore, the average number of polymers per complex is calculated. Finally, the relative increase in viscosity is found under the assumption that the complexes can be treated as porous spheres.