Phase Transition with Non-Thermodynamic States in Reversible Polymerization

Details Phase Transition with Non-Thermodynamic States in Reversible Polymerization Phase Transition with Non-Thermodynamic States in Reversible Polymerization

2008-03-19

arxiv.org/abs/0803.2875v1

Phys. Rev. E 77, 061132 (2008)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Statistical Mechanics

9 pages, 4 figures

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevE.77.061132

We investigate a reversible polymerization process in which individual polymers aggregate and fragment at a rate proportional to their molecular weight. We find a nonequilibrium phase transition despite the fact that the dynamics are perfectly reversible. When the strength of the fragmentation process exceeds a critical threshold, the system reaches a thermodynamic steady state where the total number of polymers is proportional to the system size. The polymer length distribution has a sharp exponential tail in this case. When the strength of the fragmentation process falls below the critical threshold, the steady state becomes non-thermodynamic as the total number of polymers grows sub-linearly with the system size. Moreover, the length distribution has an algebraic tail and the characteristic exponent varies continuously with the fragmentation rate.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Phase Transition with Non-Thermodynamic States in Reversible Polymerization does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Phase Transition with Non-Thermodynamic States in Reversible Polymerization, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Phase Transition with Non-Thermodynamic States in Reversible Polymerization will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-323603