Self-assembly of ABC star triblock copolymers under a cylindrical confinement.
Self-assembly of ABC star triblock copolymers confined in cylindrical nanopores is studied using real-space self-consistent mean-field theory. Specifically, the investigation focuses on the confined self-assembly of a triblock copolymer which forms hierarchical lamellae in the bulk. Generically, the hierarchical lamellae can be parallel or perpendicular to the pore surfaces. Concentric rings of A and B/C lamellae are formed in the parallel case. The B/C layers further form B/C domains. The number of B/C domains is controlled by the pore size. In the perpendicular case, the B/C layers are arranged alternatively along the pore axis. The stability of these observed structures is analyzed.
Xu
Yuci
Y
The Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Ministry of Education, China, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Li
Weihua
W
Qiu
Feng
F
Yang
Yuliang
Y
Shi
An-Chang
AC