Edge effects on the order and freezing of a 2D array of block copolymer spheres.
The order in a single layer of spherical domains of a block copolymer melt is investigated as a function of distance from the edges of the 15 microm wide, 30 nm deep wells that confine it along a substrate. At 255 degrees C the edge induces the formation of a hexatic phase whose orientational and translational order decreases slowly away from the edge until in the center of the well the block copolymer spheres have liquidlike order.
Segalman
Rachel A
RA
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
Hexemer
Alexander
A
Kramer
Edward J
EJ