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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Using scaling theory, we determine the equilibrium behavior of a melt of functionalized and non-functionalized polymers confined between two infinite, planar surfaces, which model clay sheets. The functionalized chains contain two end-groups (one at each chain-end) that are highly attracted to the surfaces. Through these calculations, we delineate the conditions for the formation of thermodynamically stable polymer/clay mixtures in terms of the end-group adsorption energy, volume fraction of the end-functionalized chains, and polymer chain lengths.