Equation of state for monolayers of chain molecules

An equation of state for high linear polymer monolayers is discussed. It is shown that different theoretical approaches should be considered according to the range of surface concentration of the monolayer. For high dilution the theory here proposed is similar to that used in bulk solutions of polymers. An ideal temperature T = θ for which the second virial coefficient vanishes is defined. The behavior of these monolayers for higher concentrations can be explained by considering energetic interactions. In these conditions the chain configuration entropy becomes negligible. The difficulties involved in developing a theory for temperatures lower than θ have also been considered.