Cell dynamics simulations of shear-induced alignment and defect annihilation in stripe patterns formed by block copolymers.
The effect of large amplitude oscillatory shear on two-dimensional stripe patterns formed by block copolymers was investigated using cell dynamics simulations. A global orientational order parameter S and a correlation function for stripe normals G(r-r(')) were used to characterize the degree of stripe orientation under shear. The kinetics of stripe alignment, quantified by S, at various shear and quench conditions were studied as a function of strain amplitude, shear frequency, and temperature. The mechanisms of shear alignment and defect annihilation were investigated. A critical shear condition for complete alignment of stripes along the shear direction was also identified.
Ren
S R
SR
School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.
Hamley
I W
IW
Teixeira
P I
PI
Olmsted
P D
PD
D004058:Diffusion; D007700:Kinetics; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009991:Oscillometry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D011108:Polymers