Molecular dynamics of a polymer blend model on a solid substrate

We performed extensive molecular dynamics simulations using a bead–spring model to investigate the interfacial behavior of blends of linear and cyclic polymer chains confined between two planar, attractive substrates. The model system was studied over a range of chain lengths spanning an order of magnitude in the number of beads for varying blend compositions and for two different levels of substrate affinity. For short chains, we observed the preferential adsorption of linear chains at the substrate interface when they are the majority component (10% cyclic chains) as well as at equimolar composition. In contrast, for longer chains, cyclic chains are preferentially enriched at the interface. These results extend recent findings from neutron reflectivity experiments—where the enrichment of cyclic polystyrene chains at low-energy surfaces was demonstrated—to systems under solid confinement, providing deeper insight into the structural behavior of topologically distinct polymers near interfaces. This work highlights the potential for tuning interfacial composition and properties in polymer blends through topological design, with implications for advanced coatings, membranes, and nanostructured materials.