1
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Esmeraldo Paiva A, Baez Vasquez JF, Selkirk A, Prochukhan N, G L Medeiros Borsagli F, Morris M. Highly Ordered Porous Inorganic Structures via Block Copolymer Lithography: An Application of the Versatile and Selective Infiltration of the "Inverse" P2VP- b-PS System. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:35265-35275. [PMID: 35876355 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c10338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A facile and versatile strategy was developed to produce highly ordered porous metal oxide structures via block copolymer (BCP) lithography. Phase separation of poly(2-vinylpyridine)-b-polystyrene (P2VP-b-PS) was induced by solvent vapor annealing in a nonselective solvent environment to fabricate cylindrical arrays. In this work, we thoroughly analyzed the effects of the film thickness, solvent annealing time, and temperature on the ordering of a P2VP-majority system for the first time, resulting in "inverse" structures. Reflectometry, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the formation of the highly ordered BCP morphology and the subsequently produced metal oxide film. At 40 min solvent annealing time, hexagonally close packed structures were produced with cylinder diameters ∼40 nm. Subsequently, the BCP films were infiltrated with different metal cations. Metal ions (Cr, Fe, Ni, and Ga) selectively infiltrated the P2VP domain, while the PS did not retain any detectable amount of metal precursor. This gave rise to a metal oxide porous structure after a UV/ozone (UVO) treatment. The results showed that the metal oxide structures demonstrated high fidelity compared to the BCP template and cylindrical domains presented a similar size to the previous PS structure. Moreover, XPS analyses revealed the complete elimination of the BCP template and confirmed the presence of the metal oxides. These metal oxides were used as hard masks for pattern transfer via dry etching as a further application. Silicon nanopores were fabricated mimicking the BCP template and demonstrated a pore depth of ∼50 nm. Ultimately, this strategy can be applied to create different inorganic nanostructures for a diverse range of applications, for example, solar cells, diodes, and integrated circuits. Furthermore, by optimizing the etching parameters, deeper structures can be obtained via ICP/RIE processes, leading to many potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aislan Esmeraldo Paiva
- AMBER Research Centre/School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02W085, Ireland
| | | | - Andrew Selkirk
- AMBER Research Centre/School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02W085, Ireland
| | - Nadezda Prochukhan
- AMBER Research Centre/School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02W085, Ireland
| | - Fernanda G L Medeiros Borsagli
- Institute of Engineering, Science and Technology, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri/UFVJM, Av. 01, 4050, Janaúba, MG 39440-039, Brazil
| | - Michael Morris
- AMBER Research Centre/School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02W085, Ireland
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2
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Ho K, Kim KS, de Beer S, Walker GC. Chemical Composition and Strain at Interfaces between Different Morphologies in Block Copolymer Thin Films. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:12723-12731. [PMID: 34693716 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Transitional composition between two thin-film morphologies of the block copolymer, polystyrene-block-poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (PS-b-PtBuA), was investigated using near-field infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy mechanical measurements. These techniques allowed block identification with nanoscale spatial resolution and elucidated the material's sub-surface composition. PS was found to form coronae around the PtBuA block in spherical valleys on flat areas of the film, and coronae of PtBuA surrounding the PS lamellae were observed at the edge of the polymer film, where parallel lamellae are formed. Furthermore, we found that the peak position and width varied by location, which may be a result of block composition, chain tension, or substrate interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Ho
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Kris S Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Sissi de Beer
- Sustainable Polymer Chemistry, Department of Molecules & Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Gilbert C Walker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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3
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Ji S, Zhang R, Zhang L, Yuan Y, Lin J. Self‐assembled nanostructures of diblock copolymer films under homopolymer topcoats. POLYM INT 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pi.6009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Ji
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of EducationSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology Shanghai China
| | - Runrong Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of EducationSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology Shanghai China
| | - Liangshun Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of EducationSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology Shanghai China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of EducationSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology Shanghai China
| | - Jiaping Lin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of EducationSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology Shanghai China
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4
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Liu SSY, Ludwigs S. Electrochemical Manipulation of Aligned Block Copolymer Templates. Macromol Rapid Commun 2019; 41:e1900485. [PMID: 31774602 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201900485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Block copolymers have a wide range of functions in advanced electrochemistry because of their ability to self-assemble into ordered nanometer-sized structures, resulting in their extensive usage as nanoporous templates that can be electrochemically manipulated. These highly ordered nanoporous templates are used as working electrodes for electrodeposition and electropolymerization to build nanoelectrode arrays and can serve as models to study the diffusion pathway of redox-active units with regard to chemical modification of pores. The block copolymer system allows different morphologies to be utilized, but the most exploited structures are standing cylinders of the minority block that are etched to expose highly aligned porous nanoelectrode array templates. This review starts with introducing alumina and track-etched membranes as pioneer porous templates transitioning to the production of block copolymer films as succeeding templates, with a particular focus on both poly(styrene)-block-poly(methylmethacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) and poly(styrene)-block-poly(lactide) (PS-b-PLA). The aim is to give fundamental insights of electrochemistry where functionality extends beyond to applications in the nanoscience field of biosensors and plastic electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherri S Y Liu
- IPOC-Functional Polymers, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sabine Ludwigs
- IPOC-Functional Polymers, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
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5
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Basutkar MN, Majewski PW, Doerk GS, Toth K, Osuji CO, Karim A, Yager KG. Aligned Morphologies in Near-Edge Regions of Block Copolymer Thin Films. Macromolecules 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.9b01703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Monali N. Basutkar
- Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | | | - Gregory S. Doerk
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Kristof Toth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Chinedum O. Osuji
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Alamgir Karim
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Kevin G. Yager
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
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6
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Mu D, Li JQ, Feng SY. One-dimensional Confinement Effect on the Self-assembly of Symmetric H-shaped Copolymers in a Thin Film. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13610. [PMID: 29051545 PMCID: PMC5648831 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13375-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The self-assembly of a reformed symmetric H-shaped copolymer with four hydrophilic branches and one hydrophobic stem was systematically investigated. The existence of vacancies is vital to regulate the sizes of self-assembled cylinders to be able to form a hexagonal arrangement. With the introduction of horizontal-orientated confinement, a micellar structure is formed through a coalescence mechanism. The short acting distance and large influencing area of the confinement produces numerous small-sized micelles. Additionally, the cycled “contraction-expansion” change helps achieve hexagonal arrangement. In contrast, the introduction of lateral-oriented confinement with long acting distance and small influencing area cannot change the cylindrical structure. Under the fission mechanism, in which the larger cylinder splits into smaller ones, it is quite efficient to generate hierarchical-sized cylinders from larger-sized cylinders in the middle region and smaller-sized cylinders near both walls. The results indicate the possibility of regulating the characteristics of a nanomaterial by tuning the molecular structure of the copolymer and the parameters of the introduced confinement, which are closely related to the self-assembly structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Mu
- Institute of Research on the Structure and Property of Matter, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, 277160, China.
| | - Jian-Quan Li
- Opto-electronic Engineering College, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, 277160, China
| | - Sheng-Yu Feng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
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7
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Yang Q, Loos K. Perpendicular Structure Formation of Block Copolymer Thin Films during Thermal Solvent Vapor Annealing: Solvent and Thickness Effects. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 9:E525. [PMID: 30965824 PMCID: PMC6418618 DOI: 10.3390/polym9100525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Solvent vapor annealing of block copolymer (BCP) thin films can produce a range of interesting morphologies, especially when the perpendicular orientation of micro-domains with respect to the substrate plays a role. This, for instance, allows BCP thin films to serve as useful templates for nanolithography and hybrid materials preparation. However, precise control of the arising morphologies is essential, but in most cases difficult to achieve. In this work, we investigated the solvent and thickness effects on the morphology of poly(styrene-b-2 vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) thin films with a film thickness range from 0.4 L₀ up to 0.8 L₀. Ordered perpendicular structures were achieved. One of the main merits of our work is that the phase behavior of the ultra-high molecular weight BCP thin films, which hold a 100-nm sized domain distance, can be easily monitored via current available techniques, such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Systematic monitoring of the self-assembly behavior during solvent vapor annealing can thus provide an experimental guideline for the optimization of processing conditions of related BCP films systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyan Yang
- Macromolecular Chemistry & New Polymeric Materials, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Katja Loos
- Macromolecular Chemistry & New Polymeric Materials, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
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8
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Majewski PW, Yager KG. Rapid ordering of block copolymer thin films. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2016; 28:403002. [PMID: 27537062 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/28/40/403002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Block-copolymers self-assemble into diverse morphologies, where nanoscale order can be finely tuned via block architecture and processing conditions. However, the ultimate usage of these materials in real-world applications may be hampered by the extremely long thermal annealing times-hours or days-required to achieve good order. Here, we provide an overview of the fundamentals of block-copolymer self-assembly kinetics, and review the techniques that have been demonstrated to influence, and enhance, these ordering kinetics. We discuss the inherent tradeoffs between oven annealing, solvent annealing, microwave annealing, zone annealing, and other directed self-assembly methods; including an assessment of spatial and temporal characteristics. We also review both real-space and reciprocal-space analysis techniques for quantifying order in these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel W Majewski
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, USA. Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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9
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Majewski PW, Yager KG. Reordering transitions during annealing of block copolymer cylinder phases. SOFT MATTER 2016; 12:281-94. [PMID: 26452102 DOI: 10.1039/c5sm02441b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
While equilibrium block-copolymer morphologies are dictated by energy-minimization effects, the semi-ordered states observed experimentally often depend on the details of ordering pathways and kinetics. Here, we explore reordering transitions in thin films of block-copolymer cylinder-forming polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate). We observe several transient states as films order towards horizontally-aligned cylinders. In particular, there is an early-stage reorganization from randomly-packed cylinders into hexagonally-packed vertically-aligned cylinders; followed by a reorientation transition from vertical to horizontal cylinder states. These transitions are thermally activated. The growth of horizontal grains within an otherwise vertical morphology proceeds anisotropically, resulting in anisotropic grains in the final horizontal state. The size, shape, and anisotropy of grains are influenced by ordering history; for instance, faster heating rates reduce grain anisotropy. These results help elucidate aspects of pathway-dependent ordering in block-copolymer thin films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel W Majewski
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
| | - Kevin G Yager
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
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10
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Sun YS, Chen YC, Liou JY, Su FJ. Film Instability of Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Thin Films Driven by Solvent Annealing and Drying. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.201500206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Sen Sun
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering; National Central University; Taoyuan 32001 Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chung Chen
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering; National Central University; Taoyuan 32001 Taiwan
| | - Jiun-You Liou
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering; National Central University; Taoyuan 32001 Taiwan
| | - Fan Jun Su
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering; National Central University; Taoyuan 32001 Taiwan
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11
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Phinjaroenphan R, Kim YY, Ree BJ, Isono T, Lee J, Rugmai S, Kim H, Maensiri S, Kakuchi T, Satoh T, Ree M. Complex Thin Film Morphologies of Poly(n-hexyl isocyanate)(5k,10k)–Poly(ε-caprolactone)1–3(10k,17k) Miktoarm Star Polymers. Macromolecules 2015. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.5b00875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rarm Phinjaroenphan
- School
of Physics, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute, Nakhon
Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Advanced Materials Science, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Polymer Research Institute, and BK School of Molecular Science, Pohang University of Science & Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Yong Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Advanced Materials Science, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Polymer Research Institute, and BK School of Molecular Science, Pohang University of Science & Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Brian J. Ree
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Advanced Materials Science, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Polymer Research Institute, and BK School of Molecular Science, Pohang University of Science & Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Takuya Isono
- Division
of Biotechnology and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Jinseok Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Advanced Materials Science, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Polymer Research Institute, and BK School of Molecular Science, Pohang University of Science & Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Supagorn Rugmai
- School
of Physics, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute, Nakhon
Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Heesoo Kim
- Department
of Microbiology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyongju 780-350, Republic of Korea
| | - Santi Maensiri
- School
of Physics, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute, Nakhon
Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Toyoji Kakuchi
- Division
of Biotechnology and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Satoh
- Division
of Biotechnology and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Moonhor Ree
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Advanced Materials Science, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Polymer Research Institute, and BK School of Molecular Science, Pohang University of Science & Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
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12
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Kim YY, Jung S, Kim C, Ree BJ, Kawato D, Nishikawa N, Suemasa D, Isono T, Kakuchi T, Satoh T, Ree M. Hierarchical Structures in Thin Films of Miktoarm Star Polymers: Poly(n-hexyl isocyanate)(12K)–Poly(ε-caprolactone)1–3(5K). Macromolecules 2014. [DOI: 10.1021/ma501695b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Young Yong Kim
- Division
of Advanced Materials Science, Department of Chemistry, Center for
Electro-Photo Behaviors in Advanced Molecular Systems, Polymer Research
Institute, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, and BK School of Molecular
Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungmin Jung
- Division
of Advanced Materials Science, Department of Chemistry, Center for
Electro-Photo Behaviors in Advanced Molecular Systems, Polymer Research
Institute, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, and BK School of Molecular
Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsub Kim
- Division
of Advanced Materials Science, Department of Chemistry, Center for
Electro-Photo Behaviors in Advanced Molecular Systems, Polymer Research
Institute, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, and BK School of Molecular
Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Brian J. Ree
- Division
of Advanced Materials Science, Department of Chemistry, Center for
Electro-Photo Behaviors in Advanced Molecular Systems, Polymer Research
Institute, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, and BK School of Molecular
Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Daisuke Kawato
- Division
of Biotechnology and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Naoki Nishikawa
- Division
of Biotechnology and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Daichi Suemasa
- Division
of Biotechnology and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Takuya Isono
- Division
of Biotechnology and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Toyoji Kakuchi
- Division
of Biotechnology and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Satoh
- Division
of Biotechnology and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Moonhor Ree
- Division
of Advanced Materials Science, Department of Chemistry, Center for
Electro-Photo Behaviors in Advanced Molecular Systems, Polymer Research
Institute, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, and BK School of Molecular
Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
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13
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Ree M. Probing the self-assembled nanostructures of functional polymers with synchrotron grazing incidence X-ray scattering. Macromol Rapid Commun 2014; 35:930-59. [PMID: 24706560 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201400025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
For advanced functional polymers such as biopolymers, biomimic polymers, brush polymers, star polymers, dendritic polymers, and block copolymers, information about their surface structures, morphologies, and atomic structures is essential for understanding their properties and investigating their potential applications. Grazing incidence X-ray scattering (GIXS) is established for the last 15 years as the most powerful, versatile, and nondestructive tool for determining these structural details when performed with the aid of an advanced third-generation synchrotron radiation source with high flux, high energy resolution, energy tunability, and small beam size. One particular merit of this technique is that GIXS data can be obtained facilely for material specimens of any size, type, or shape. However, GIXS data analysis requires an understanding of GIXS theory and of refraction and reflection effects, and for any given material specimen, the best methods for extracting the form factor and the structure factor from the data need to be established. GIXS theory is reviewed here from the perspective of practical GIXS measurements and quantitative data analysis. In addition, schemes are discussed for the detailed analysis of GIXS data for the various self-assembled nanostructures of functional homopolymers, brush, star, and dendritic polymers, and block copolymers. Moreover, enhancements to the GIXS technique are discussed that can significantly improve its structure analysis by using the new synchrotron radiation sources such as third-generation X-ray sources with picosecond pulses and partial coherence and fourth-generation X-ray laser sources with femtosecond pulses and full coherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moonhor Ree
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Advanced Materials Science, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Center for Electro-Photo Behaviors in Advanced Molecular Systems, Polymer Research Institute, and BK School of Molecular Science, Pohang University of Science & Technology, Pohang, 790-784, Republic of Korea
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14
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Rho Y, Kim C, Higashihara T, Jin S, Jung J, Shin TJ, Hirao A, Ree M. Complex Self-Assembled Morphologies of Thin Films of an Asymmetric A 3B 3C 3 Star Polymer. ACS Macro Lett 2013; 2:849-855. [PMID: 35607002 DOI: 10.1021/mz400363k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
An asymmetric nine-arm star polymer, (polystyrene)3-(poly(4-methoxystyrene))3-(polyisoprene)3 (PS3-PMOS3-PI3) was synthesized, and the details of the structures of its thin films were successfully investigated for the first time by using in situ grazing incidence X-ray scattering (GIXS) with a synchrotron radiation source. Our quantitative GIXS analysis showed that thin films of the star polymer molecules have very complex but highly ordered and preferentially in-plane oriented hexagonal (HEX) structures consisting of truncated PS cylinders and PMOS triangular prisms in a PI matrix. This HEX structure undergoes a partial rotational transformation process at temperatures above 190 °C that produces a 30°-rotated HEX structure; this structural isomer forms with a volume fraction of 23% during heating up to 220 °C and persists during subsequent cooling. These interesting and complex self-assembled nanostructures are discussed in terms of phase separation, arm number, volume ratio, and confinement effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yecheol Rho
- Department
of Chemistry, Division of Advanced Materials Science, Center for Electro-Photo
Behaviors in Advanced Molecular Systems, Polymer Research Institute,
and BK School of Molecular Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsub Kim
- Department
of Chemistry, Division of Advanced Materials Science, Center for Electro-Photo
Behaviors in Advanced Molecular Systems, Polymer Research Institute,
and BK School of Molecular Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Tomoya Higashihara
- Polymeric
and Organic Materials Department, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, H-127, 2-12-1, O-okayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
| | - Sangwoo Jin
- Department
of Chemistry, Division of Advanced Materials Science, Center for Electro-Photo
Behaviors in Advanced Molecular Systems, Polymer Research Institute,
and BK School of Molecular Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungwoon Jung
- Department
of Chemistry, Division of Advanced Materials Science, Center for Electro-Photo
Behaviors in Advanced Molecular Systems, Polymer Research Institute,
and BK School of Molecular Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Joo Shin
- Pohang
Accelerator Laboratory, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Akira Hirao
- Polymeric
and Organic Materials Department, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, H-127, 2-12-1, O-okayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
| | - Moonhor Ree
- Department
of Chemistry, Division of Advanced Materials Science, Center for Electro-Photo
Behaviors in Advanced Molecular Systems, Polymer Research Institute,
and BK School of Molecular Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
- Pohang
Accelerator Laboratory, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
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15
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Peters RD, Dalnoki-Veress K. Film thickness dependent ordering dynamics of lamellar forming diblock copolymer thin films. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2012; 35:9809. [PMID: 23242663 DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2012-12132-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Ellipsometry is used in a novel way to study the ordering dynamics of symmetric poly(styrene-methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer thin films. Ordered thin films form lamellae parallel to the substrate which can form islands or holes at the free surface to ensure commensurability of the layers. The sensitivity of ellipsometry provides the unique ability to probe morphological changes during the ordering process before the ultimate formation of islands or holes at the free surface. We observe three distinct stages in the ordering process: i) an ordering into an intermediate state, ii) an incubation time where the film structure remains constant and iii) the nucleation of islands or holes to achieve equilibrium lamellar morphology. The time-resolved measurement of an incubation period and initial ordering stage provides a means for studying the effect of thickness on the ordering kinetics. The dependence of incubation time on the commensurability of the initial film height is explained using strong segregation theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Peters
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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16
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Stasiak P, McGraw JD, Dalnoki-Veress K, Matsen MW. Step Edges in Thin Films of Lamellar-Forming Diblock Copolymer. Macromolecules 2012. [DOI: 10.1021/ma302143q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Stasiak
- School of Mathematical and Physical
Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights,
Reading RG6 6AX, U.K
| | - J. D. McGraw
- Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - K. Dalnoki-Veress
- Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - M. W. Matsen
- School of Mathematical and Physical
Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights,
Reading RG6 6AX, U.K
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17
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Surface relief terraces and self-assembled nanostructures in thin block copolymer films with solvent annealing. POLYMER 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2012.08.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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18
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Man X, Andelman D, Orland H. Block copolymer films with free interfaces: ordering by nanopatterned substrates. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2012; 86:010801. [PMID: 23005359 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.86.010801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2011] [Revised: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We study block copolymers (BCPs) on patterned substrates, where the top polymer film surface is not constrained but is free and can adapt its shape self-consistently. In particular, we investigate the combined effect of free interface undulations with wetting of the BCP film as induced by nanopatterned substrates. Under wetting conditions and for a finite volume of BCP material, we find equilibrium droplets composed of coexisting perpendicular and parallel lamellar domains. The self-assembly of BCPs on topographic patterned substrates is also investigated and it is found that the free interface induces mixed morphologies of parallel and perpendicular domains coupled with a nonflat free interface. Our study has some interesting consequences for experimental setups of graphoepitaxy and nanoimprint lithography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingkun Man
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
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19
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Li F, Wilker MB, Stein A. Simulation-aided design and synthesis of hierarchically porous membranes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2012; 28:7484-7491. [PMID: 22519852 DOI: 10.1021/la300037q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Free-standing silica membranes with hierarchical porosity (ca. 300 nm macropores surrounded by 6-8 nm mesopores) and controllable mesopore architecture were prepared by a dual-templating method, with the structural design aided by mesoscale simulation. To create a two-dimensional, hexagonal macropore array, polymeric colloidal hemisphere arrays were synthesized by a two-step annealing process starting with non-close-packed polystyrene sphere arrays on silicon coated with a sacrificial alumina layer. A silica precursor containing a poly(ethylene) oxide-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene) oxide (PEO-PPO-PEO) triblock-copolymer surfactant as template for mesopore creation was spin-coated onto the support and aged and then converted into the free-standing membranes by dissolving both templates and the alumina layer. To test the hypothesis that the mesopore architecture may be influenced by confinement of the surfactant-containing precursor solution in the colloidal array and by its interactions with the polymeric colloids, the system was studied theoretically by dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations and experimentally by examining the pore structures of silica membranes via electron microscopy. The DPD simulations demonstrated that, while only tilted columnar structure can be formed through tuning the interaction with the substrate, perfect alignment of 2D hexagonal micelles perpendicular to the plane of the membrane is achievable by confinement between parallel walls that interact preferentially with the hydrophilic components (PEO blocks, silicate, and solvent). The simulations predicted that this alignment could be maintained across a span of up to 10 columns of micelles, the same length scale defined by the colloidal array. In the actual membranes, we manipulated the mesopore alignment by tuning the solvent polarity relative to the polar surface characteristics of the colloidal hemispheres. With methanol as a solvent, columnar mesopores parallel to the substrate were observed; with a methanol-water mixed solvent, individual spherical mesopores were present; and with water as the only solvent, twisted columnar structures were seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. S.E., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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20
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Liu H, Li Y, Krause WE, Pasquinelli MA, Rojas OJ. Mesoscopic simulations of the phase behavior of aqueous EO19PO29EO19 solutions confined and sheared by hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2012; 4:87-95. [PMID: 22136187 DOI: 10.1021/am200917h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The MesoDyn method is used to investigate associative structures in aqueous solution of a nonionic triblock copolymer consisting of poly(propylene oxide) capped on both ends with poly(ethylene oxide) chains. The effect of adsorbing (hydrophobic) and nonadsorbing (hydrophilic) solid surfaces in contact with aqueous solutions of the polymer is elucidated. The macromolecules form self-assembled structures in solution. Confinement under shear forces is investigated in terms of interfacial behavior and association. The formation of micelles under confinement between hydrophilic surfaces occurs faster than in bulk aqueous solution while layered structures assemble when the polymers are confined between hydrophobic surfaces. Micelles are deformed under shear rates of 1 μs(-1) and eventually break to form persistent, adsorbed layered structures. As a result, surface damage under frictional forces is prevented. Overall, this study indicates that aqueous triblock copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) (Pluronics, EO(m)PO(n)EO(m)) act as a boundary lubricant for hydrophobic surfaces but not for hydrophilic ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Liu
- Fiber and Polymer Science Program and Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
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21
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Kriksin YA, Khalatur PG, Khokhlov AR. Effect of the supporting pattern on the orientation of hexagonal morphology in thin films of diblock copolymers. POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES A 2010. [DOI: 10.1134/s0965545x10060118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Santo KP, Kovalenko A, Stepanova M. Self-Consistent Field Modeling of Three-Dimensional Morphologies of Branched Lipid Surfactant at Air-Water Interface. MACROMOL THEOR SIMUL 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/mats.200900076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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23
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Tsarkova L, Sevink GJA, Krausch G. Nanopattern Evolution in Block Copolymer Films: Experiment, Simulations and Challenges. COMPLEX MACROMOLECULAR SYSTEMS I 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/12_2010_54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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24
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Wang R, Chen YL, Hu J, Xue G. Depletion-induced surface alignment of asymmetric diblock copolymer in selective solvents. J Chem Phys 2008; 129:044907. [DOI: 10.1063/1.2957746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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25
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Rehse S, Mecke K, Magerle R. Characterization of the dynamics of block copolymer microdomains with local morphological measures. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2008; 77:051805. [PMID: 18643095 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.77.051805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2007] [Revised: 02/15/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the structure formation in thin films of cylinder forming block copolymers. With in situ scanning probe microscopy image sequences can be recorded with high temporal (2 min per frame) and spatial (10 nm) resolution. We compare different image processing methods for quantitative analysis of the large amount of data. Computing local Minkowski functionals yields local geometrical and morphological information about the observed structures and enables us to track their evolution with time. An alternative characterization method is to reduce the gray scale images to their skeleton and to classify and count the branching points of the skeletonized structure. We tracked the temporal evolution of these measures and computed correlation functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rehse
- Chemische Physik, Technische Universität Chemnitz, Reichenhainer Strasse 70, D-09126 Chemnitz, Germany.
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26
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van Zoelen W, Asumaa T, Ruokolainen J, Ikkala O, ten Brinke G. Phase Behavior of Solvent Vapor Annealed Thin Films of PS-b-P4VP(PDP) Supramolecules. Macromolecules 2008. [DOI: 10.1021/ma702780c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy van Zoelen
- Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands, and Department of Engineering Physics and Mathematics and Center for New Materials, Helsinki University of Technology, P.O. Box 2200, FIN-02015 HUT Espoo, Finland
| | - Terhi Asumaa
- Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands, and Department of Engineering Physics and Mathematics and Center for New Materials, Helsinki University of Technology, P.O. Box 2200, FIN-02015 HUT Espoo, Finland
| | - Janne Ruokolainen
- Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands, and Department of Engineering Physics and Mathematics and Center for New Materials, Helsinki University of Technology, P.O. Box 2200, FIN-02015 HUT Espoo, Finland
| | - Olli Ikkala
- Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands, and Department of Engineering Physics and Mathematics and Center for New Materials, Helsinki University of Technology, P.O. Box 2200, FIN-02015 HUT Espoo, Finland
| | - Gerrit ten Brinke
- Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands, and Department of Engineering Physics and Mathematics and Center for New Materials, Helsinki University of Technology, P.O. Box 2200, FIN-02015 HUT Espoo, Finland
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27
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Daoulas KC, Müller M, Stoykovich MP, Kang H, de Pablo JJ, Nealey PF. Directed copolymer assembly on chemical substrate patterns: a phenomenological and single-chain-in-mean-field simulations study of the influence of roughness in the substrate pattern. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2008; 24:1284-1295. [PMID: 18067336 DOI: 10.1021/la702482z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The directed assembly of lamella-forming copolymer systems on substrates chemically patterned with rough stripes has been studied using a Helfrich-type, phenomenological theory and Single-Chain-in-Mean-Field (SCMF) simulations. The stripe period matches that of the lamellar spacing in the bulk. The effect of the line edge roughness (LER) of the substrate pattern on the microphase-separated morphology was investigated considering two generic types of substrate LER with a single characteristic wavelength imposed on the edges of the stripes: undulation and peristaltic LER. In both cases, the domain interfaces are pinned to the rough stripe boundary at the substrate and, thus, are deformed. We study how this deformation decays as a function of the distance from the substrate. The simple theory and the SCMF simulations demonstrate that one of the basic factors determining the decay of the roughness transferred into the self-assembled morphology is the characteristic LER wavelength of the substrate pattern; i.e., the distance over which the roughness propagates away from the substrate increases with wavelength. However, both approaches reveal that, for a quantitative understanding of the consequences of substrate LER, it is important to consider the interplay of the pattern wavelength with the other characteristic length scales of the system, such as the film thickness and the bulk lamellar spacing. For instance, in thin films, the induced deformation of the lamellar interface decays slower with distance from the patterned surface than in thicker films. It is shown that the phenomenological theory can capture many of the same qualitative results as the SCMF simulations for copolymer assembly on substrate patterns with LER, but, at the same time, is limited by an incomplete description of the constraints on the polymer chain conformations imposed by the substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas Ch Daoulas
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Georg-August Universität, Göttingen, Germany.
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28
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Yang S, Zhang SP, Winnik FM, Mwale F, Gong YK. Group reorientation and migration of amphiphilic polymer bearing phosphorylcholine functionalities on surface of cellular membrane mimicking coating. J Biomed Mater Res A 2008; 84:837-41. [PMID: 17635030 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.31418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Amphiphilic polymers bearing phosphorylcholine (PC) groups can form films of interfacial structure similar to that of the outer membrane of living cells. The films, as prepared, present PC groups to the external aqueous environment and exhibit good biocompatibility. However, under certain conditions, the surface structure can change irreversibly due to the reorientation and deep migration of the surface groups. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic contact angle measurements, and cell culture experiments were used to investigate the reorientation and migration of the surface groups of an amphiphilic PC-polymer coating. When the polymer surface is immersed into or drawn out of water, significant reorientation and group migration occurs, as suggested by the large difference between the advancing and receding contact angles. Angle-resolved XPS measurements indicate that the hydrophobic groups move to the air/film interface while the hydrophilic groups migrate towards the bulk of the polymer coating. Long periods of aging may result in irreversible changes of the surface structure and decrease the biocompatibility of the materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
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29
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Horvat A, Knoll A, Krausch G, Tsarkova L, Lyakhova KS, Sevink GJA, Zvelindovsky AV, Magerle R. Time Evolution of Surface Relief Structures in Thin Block Copolymer Films. Macromolecules 2007. [DOI: 10.1021/ma071107a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Horvat
- Physikalische Chemie II, Universität Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - A. Knoll
- Physikalische Chemie II, Universität Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - G. Krausch
- Physikalische Chemie II, Universität Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - L. Tsarkova
- Physikalische Chemie II, Universität Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - K. S. Lyakhova
- Polymer Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - G. J. A. Sevink
- Soft Condensed Matter Group, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A. V. Zvelindovsky
- Centre for Materials Science, Department of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, United Kingdom
| | - R. Magerle
- Chemische Physik, Technische Universität Chemnitz, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
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30
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Scherdel S, Schoberth HG, Magerle R. Visualizing the dynamics of complex spatial networks in structured fluids. J Chem Phys 2007; 127:014903. [PMID: 17627365 DOI: 10.1063/1.2747598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a data reduction and visualization approach for the microdomain dynamics in block copolymers and similar structured fluids. Microdomains are reduced to thin smooth lines with colored branching points and visualized with a tool for protein visualization. As a result the temporal evolution of large volume data sets can be perceived within seconds. This approach is demonstrated with simulation results based on the dynamic density functional theory of the ordering of microdomains in a thin film of block copolymers. As an example we discuss the dynamics at the cylinder-to-gyroid grain boundary and compare it to the epitaxial cylinder-to-gyroid phase transition predicted by Matsen [Phys. Rev. Lett. 80, 4470 (1998)].
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Affiliation(s)
- S Scherdel
- Chemische Physik, TU Chemnitz, Reichenhainer Strasse 70, D-09126 Chemnitz, Germany
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31
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van de Grampel RD, Ming W, Laven J, van der Linde R, Leermakers F. Surface heterogeneity of a fluorinated block copolymer melt studied by a self-consistent-field analysis. POLYMER 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2007.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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32
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Černoch P, Štěpánek P, Pleštil J, Šlouf M, Sidorenko A, Stamm M. Surface patterns of block copolymers in thin layers after vapor treatment. Eur Polym J 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2007.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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33
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Structure and Dynamics of Cylinder Forming Block Copolymers in Thin Films. NANOSTRUCTURED SOFT MATTER 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4020-6330-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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34
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Tsarkova L, Horvat A, Krausch G, Zvelindovsky AV, Sevink GJA, Magerle R. Defect evolution in block copolymer thin films via temporal phase transitions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2006; 22:8089-95. [PMID: 16952246 DOI: 10.1021/la0613530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
We study the details of the defect dynamics in thin films of a cylinder-forming polystyrene-block-polybutadiene (SB) diblock copolymer melt. The high temporal resolution of in-situ scanning force microscopy (SFM) uncovers elementary dynamic processes of structural rearrangements on time scales not accessible so far. Short-term interfacial undulations and the formation of transient phases (spheres, perforated lamellae, and lamellae) are observed. We demonstrate that the well-known structural defects are annihilated by short-term phase transitions into what may be considered excited states. These temporary phase transitions are reproduced in simulations based on dynamic self-consistent field theory. We discuss the role of the observed structural evolution in the context of the equilibrium phase behavior in SB thin films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Tsarkova
- Physikalische Chemie II, Universität Bayreuth, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany.
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