Premium
Elucidating the Morphological Complexities of Linear Symmetric Triblock Polymers Confined Between Two Parallel Plates: A Self‐Consistent Field Theoretic Approach
Author(s) -
Mohagheghi Mouge,
Khomami Bamin
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
macromolecular theory and simulations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.37
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1521-3919
pISSN - 1022-1344
DOI - 10.1002/mats.201500038
Subject(s) - lamella (surface anatomy) , perpendicular , materials science , polymer , morphology (biology) , chemical physics , nanotechnology , field (mathematics) , polymer chemistry , composite material , chemistry , geometry , mathematics , biology , pure mathematics , genetics
Three dimensional self‐consistent field theoretic simulations have been performed to determine the equilibrium morphologies formed by linear ABC triblock polymer melts confined between two parallel plates that favor the middle block. Our primary goal is to elucidate the conditions under which the perpendicular lamella is stabilized, since this morphology plays a central role in many nanotechnology applications. Key factors, namely, the chain architecture, surface energy and the mismatch between the film thickness d and the bulk lamella period, L 0 , determine the final morphologies, e.g., perpendicular and parallel lamella, perforated lamella and wet substrate with parallel cylinders in the core, have been identified. Overall, our findings are fully consistent with the results of limited experimental studies focused on morphology development in thin films of triblock polymer melts. Finally, we have clearly demonstrated that ABC triblocks hold technological advantages over diblocks for nano‐lithographic fabrications.