Block copolymers domains

Meier D.J., Theory of block copolymers Domain formation in A-B block copolymers, J. Polym. Sci., Part C, 26, 81, 1969. 

A. Haryono and W. H. Binder, Controlled arrangement of nanoparticle arrays in block-copolymer domains, Small, 2006, 2, 600. 

Figure 11. Schematic of the block copolymers domains with density and structure indicated by the Helfand concept and approximated by certain experiments.

Ramanathan M, Nettleton E et al (2009) Simple orientational control over cylindrical organic-inorganic block copolymer domains for etch mask applications. Thin Solid Films 517 4474-4478... 

It has been found in the study of PVME and SBS triblock copolymer that solubility of PVME in PS block copolymer domains is larger than in PS homopolymer. This may indicate that the mixing enthalpy has an effect on the blend miscibility [Xie et al., 1993]. The behavior has been attributed to the effect of PB segments in SBS. The phase equilibria and miscibility in polymer blends containing random or block copolymer was reviewed [Roe and Rigby, 1987]. More recent data are presented in Chapter 4 Interphase and Compatibilization by Addition of a Compatibilizer in this Handbook. 

Edwards, E.W., Montague, M.F., Solak, H.H., Hawker, C.J., Nealey, PiF. Precise control over molecular dimensions of block-copolymer domains using the interfacial energy of chemically nanopatlemed substrates. Adv. Mater. 16,1315 (2004)... 

DeRouchey, J., Thum-Albrecht, T., Russell, T.P., Kolb, R. Block copolymer domain reorientation in an electric field an in-situ small-angle x-ray scattering study. Macromolecules 37, 2538 (2004)... 

Fig. 5.13 When confined to a thin fihn, the orientation of block copolymer domains with respect to the substrate surface is crucial for many applications, (a) Lamellae lying parallel to the substrate, (b) lamellae aligned perpendicular, (c) cylinders lying parallel, (d) cylinders perpendicular, and (e) spheres. In the case of lamellae in the perpendicular orientation and cylinders in parallel, lines can be patterned if the persistence length of the structure can be controlled. In the case of upright cylinders and spheres, the grain size and perfection of the hexagonal array is of primary importance. Reproduced with permission from ref. [105]...

V. P. Chuang, J. Y. Cheng, T. A Savas, and C. A Ross, "Three-Dimensional Self-Assembty of Spherical Block Copolymer Domains into V-Shaped Grooves," Nano Lett 6,2332-2337 (2006]. 

Cheng JY, Zhang F, Smith HI, Vancso GJ, Ross CA. Pattern registration between spherical block copolymer domains and topographical templates. Adv Mater 2006 18 597-601. 

Keywords block copolymers, domain size, H solid-state NMR, spin diffusion... 

Figure 9.29 Schematic illustration of expanding nanopores in block copolymer nanodomains and elastic forces acting on the pores. Pressure in the pores expands the pores, stretches block copolymer domains in the peripheral direction, and compresses block copolymer chains in the radial direction. If the number of chains per pore does not change, then the elastic force of a block copolymer balloon resists being expanded and limits the size of pores.

Roerdink M, Hempenius MA, Gunst U, Arlinghaus HE, Vancso GJ (2007) Substrate wetting and topographically induced ordering of amorphous PI-b-PFS block-copolymer domains. 

An exhaustive, critical review of the status concerning current statistical thermodynamic analysis of block copolymer domain formation will not be presented here. A precis only of the major theories is given and the predictions from each noted, fuller details are available in the original publications. Furthermore, whilst the earlier theories of Meierand Williams " were important in stimulating interest and defining the questions to be addressed, they are not considered here since the more recent ideas encompass all the features of the earlier theories. 

Using FMM SFM, Chen and Thomas investigated the surface and internal fracture surface morphologies of different block copolymers (58). Compared to the height images, the elasticity images were foimd to exhibit improved contrast and spatial resolution of the respective block copolymer domain structure. 

Block copolymer domain morphology is often at the nanoscopic level ... 

Figure 3 Orientation of block copolymer domains with respect to the substrate (a) lamellae lying parallel, (b) lamellae aligned perpendicular, (c) cylinders lying parallel, (d) cylinders aligned perpendicular, and (e) spheres. (Reproduced with permission from Ref. 11. Elsevier, 2005.)...

In this section, we will present some works dealing with the influence of mechanical or electrical fields on block copolymers. Upon the mechanical fields the influence of hydrostatic pressure on the ODT has been investigated, or the influence of a directional force like an extensional or shear force on the orientation of block copolymer domains was investigated. 

Figure 10.4 Schematic (a) and SEM image (b) of the directed assembly of spherical block copolymer domains on a linear chemical pattern, with pattern lines in (b) running from top to bottom. The SEM image in (c) shows the self-assembly of the same block copolymer on...

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