Surface-Directed Phase Separation via a Two-Step Quench Process in Binary Polymer Mixture Films with Asymmetry Compositions

Predicting microstructures in polymer blends under two-step quench in two-dimensional space

The formation of nanostructures during two-step quench in binary polymer systems having various types of liquid miscibility gaps are investigated systematically via computer simulations using the phase field method. Coupled liquid spinodal decomposition and fluid flow processes are considered by solving simultaneously the Cahn-Hilliard and Navier-Stokes equations. Various interesting phenomena and morphological patterns are predicted. It is found that the primary microstructures developed at the first quench and isothermal holding temperature greatly affect the secondary microstructures developed during the second quench and isothermal holding. Depending on the morphology and scale of the primary microstructure, either multicore and multishell or unicore and unishell structures are predicted. The breakup of annuluses in a core-shell structure in two dimensions is analyzed. The effects of viscosity on the formation of core-shell structure and on the growth and coarsening behaviors of bimodal droplets produced by the two-step quench in systems are also investigated.