Light responsive thin films of micelles of PS-b-PVP complexed with diazophenol chromophore.

We have incorporated push-pull azobenzene units into diblock-copolymer micelles by supramolecular assembly. Specifically, we encapsulated a phenol-functionalized chromophore, DO13, within PS-b-P4VP micelles in toluene by means of H-bond interactions developed between DO13 molecules and pyridine groups of P4VP block. The solutions were spin-coated onto glass substrates resulting in multi- or mono-layered thin films of micelles with P4VP(DO13) core and PS corona.

Determining concentration depth profiles in fluorinated networks by means of electric force microscopy.

By means of electric force microscopy, composition depth profiles were measured with nanometric resolution for a series of fluorinated networks. By mapping the dielectric permittivity along a line going from the surface to the bulk, we were able to experimentally access to the fluorine concentration profile. Obtained data show composition gradient lengths ranging from 30 nm to 80 nm in the near surface area for samples containing from 0.