Mechanisms of alignment of lamellar-forming block copolymer under shear flow.

Soft Matter

Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franqués 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.

Published: December 2024

The potential applications of block copolymer thin films, utilising their self-assembly capabilities, are enhanced when achieving long-range ordering. In this study we explain the experimental alignment of lamellae under shear flow findings [S. Pujari , 2012, , 5258] and classify the alignment mechanisms based on shear rate and segregation, uncovering similarities to the systems subjected to electric fields, suggesting a common pathway of lamellae orientations. However, the presence of thin films surfaces introduces distinct features in the lamellae orientation under shear compared to electric fields. Notably, we observe the emergence of a three-dimensional rotation alongside the conventional two-dimensional rotation. Furthermore, a transient regime has been identified within the melting mechanism, which confirms the existence of the checkboard pattern proposed by Schneider [, 2018, , 4642]. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of block copolymer alignments and shed light on the intricate interplay between external fields and the lamellar structure.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11667677PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d4sm01241kDOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

block copolymer
12
shear flow
8
thin films
8
electric fields
8
mechanisms alignment
4
alignment lamellar-forming
4
lamellar-forming block
4
shear
4
copolymer shear
4
flow potential
4

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!