Plumber s nightmare

Although a few 3D isotropic cubic network phases have already been observed, other cubic network phases have stayed elusive in BCP SA, such as the I-WP [25], Neovius [26], K surface [27], and Lidinoid [28] structures (see Fig. 2). Packing frustration of polymer chains in the network nodes of these structures is a primary hurdle for formation of these phases. However, as shown in the cases of the plumber s nightmare and double diamond structures, BCP co-assembly with additive molecules or ordered local packing of monomer units may open new routes to such cubic structures. 

Fig. 4 (a) Assembly and disassembly of mesostructured hybrids, (b) TEM images of disassembly of mesostructured silica hybrids with plumber s nightmare structure (reprinted with permission from [11] Copyright 2007 Nature Publishing Group)... 

Figure 15 Different arrangements of bilayers in cubic symmetry, (a) A gyroid structure (b) a double diamond (as in two interwoven diamond lattices) (c) plumber s nightmare with the same symmetry. (d,e) Schematic illustration of some proposed structures of the cubic phase. The most acceptable structure is at the left (d).

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