Nucleation of ordered phases in block copolymers.
Nucleation of various ordered phases in block copolymers is studied by examining the free-energy landscape within the self-consistent field theory. The minimum energy path (MEP) connecting two ordered phases is computed using a recently developed string method. The shape, size, and free-energy barrier of critical nuclei are obtained from the MEP, providing information about the emergence of a stable ordered phase from a metastable phase. In particular, structural evolution of embryonic gyroid nucleus is predicted to follow two possible MEPs, revealing an interesting transition pathway with an intermediate perforated layered structure.
Cheng
Xiuyuan
X
School of Mathematical Sciences and The Key Laboratory of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
Lin
Ling
L
E
Weinan
W
Zhang
Pingwen
P
Shi
An-Chang
AC