Lamellae multilayer stacks

Fig. 2.54 Neutron reflectivity profile for a symmetric PS-dPMMA diblock (Mw 30 kg moP1) as a function of incident wavevector (Russell 1990). The inset shows the scattering length density (b/V, the neutron scattering length per unit volume) profile normal to the film surface that was used to calculate the reflectivity profile shown as the solid line, This is typical of a block copolymer film containing a multilayer stack, with lamellae parallel to the surface.

Depending on the nature of the components used (layered silicate, organic cation, and polymer matrix) and the preparation method, three types of hybrid PCNs can be obtained [17]. Phase-separated microcomposites (conventional composites) are obtained when the polymer chains are unable to intercalate within the inorganic sheets clay lamellae remain stacked in structures marked as tactoids as in the pristine mineral. Otherwise, when the polymer chains penetrate in between the clay galleries, an intercalative system is obtained. In this case, the nanocomposite shows, at least in principle, a well-ordered multilayer morphology built up with alternating polymeric and clay layers. When clay platelets are randomly dispersed in the polymer matrix and the lamellae are far apart from each other, so that the periodicity of this platelet arrangement is totally lost, an exfoliated structure is achieved. 

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