Compression of two polymer-coated surfaces in poor solvents

We use a two-dimensional self-consistent field theory to investigate two planar surfaces that are sparsely coated with end-grafted homopolymers, and immersed in a poor solvent. We determine the morphology of the layers and the forces between the surfaces as the plates are brought closer together. At large surface separations, each layer forms pinned micelles on the surface. When the surfaces are compressed, the force profiles show a net attraction between the layers. This attraction causes the micelles from the two surfaces to merge, forming a larger micelle or ‘‘bundle,’’ which extends from one surface to the other. This association happens at a distance greater than the vertical extent of the individual micelles.