Self-assembly of linear triblock copolymers confined by lattice-type films
ZHANG Qian1, WU Ji2, YU Shengdong2, WANG Xianghong2
1. Department of Physics, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China;
2. Department of Physics, Wenzhou Vocational and Technical College, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
Abstract:The real-space self-consistent field theory was used to study the phase diagrams of ABC linear triblock copolymers under thin-film confinement and the rules of phase transformation. Based on the self-assembly of the copolymers in the confined space, the triangular phase diagrams of the copolymers were plotted. Then the formation mechanism of each phase structure was analyzed, and the phase transition between the three-color layered and core-shell columns was investigated in detail. A series of microstructures were obtained by applying lattice-type adsorption potentials to the surface of the film. It was found that the lamellar structure was the most stable one in the phase diagram. As the strength of adsorption increased, the self-assembly structure of each block started to be distinguished from that with weak absorption. The parallel state of tricolor lamellas was gradually broken down and translated to knitting pattern structure. The copolymers also formed a novel phase-sphere-column structure within specific block ratio range. All these discoveries provide theoretical solutions for the preparation of new stable materials.
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