Polymers end-grafted onto a cylindrical surface

Equilibrium properties of linear polymers grafted at one end onto a repulsive cylindrical surface of radius R are studied by using molecular dynamics simulations. Results for the monomer density profile and the density of the free ends are given. No evidence if found for the existence of a dead zone near the surface from which the free ends are excluded in any of the systems with finite R. This is in contrast with some recent predictions that such a dead zone should exist in the case of polymers in a melt state, and probably under good solvent conditions as well