Renormalized field theory of polymer solutions : extension to general polydispersity

2014 We extend the renormalization group approach to polymer solutions of arbitrary chain length distribution (polydispersity). In the excluded volume limit polydispersity can be classified as neither relevant, irrelevant, nor marginal. The qualitative properties (the exponents) are not influenced by polydispersity. The quantitative results (scaling functions) are influenced, however, and our method allows for a calculation of these effects. Zero-order (mean field theory) results are easily established and show the structure expected from previous 2014 non renormalization group 2014 work. Further our formulation yields general relations among the osmotic pressure and its thermodynamic derivatives, which arise from the renormalization group symmetry. The overlap and polydispersity dependence of these quantities is governed by a single universal function. Tome 41 No 6 JUIN 1980 LE JOURNAL DE PHYSIQUE J. Physique 41 (1980) 459L-473 JUIN 1980, Classification Physics Abstracts 36.20C 05.70J 03.50K