Micelle shape transitions in block copolymer/homopolymer blends: comparison of self-consistent field theory with experiment

Greenall, M. J., Buzza, D. M. A. and McLeish, T. C. B. (2009) Micelle shape transitions in block copolymer/homopolymer blends: comparison of self-consistent field theory with experiment. The Journal of Chemical Physics, 131 (3). 034904. ISSN 0021-9606

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Abstract

Diblock copolymers blended with homopolymer may self-assemble into spherical, cylindrical, or lamellar aggregates. Transitions between these structures may be driven by varying the homopolymer diblock molecular weight or composition. Using self-consistent field theory (SCFT), we reproduce these effects. Our results are compared to x-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy measurements by Kinning et al. and good agreement is found, although the tendency to form cylindrical and lamellar structures is sometimes overestimated due to our neglect of edge effects due to the finite size of these aggregates. Our results demonstrate that SCFT can provide detailed information on the self-assembly of isolated block copolymeraggregates.

Keywords:Self-assembly, Polymers
Subjects:F Physical Sciences > F300 Physics
Divisions:College of Science > School of Mathematics and Physics
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ID Code:22193
Deposited On:04 Mar 2016 20:36

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