title: In situ studies of phase separation and crystallization directed by Marangoni instabilities during spin-coating.
abstract: Results of a pioneering study are presented in which for the first time, crystallization, phase separation and Marangoni instabilities occurring during the spin-coating of polymer blends are directly visualized, in real-space and real-time. The results provide exciting new insights into the process of self-assembly, taking place during spin-coating, paving the way for the rational design of processing conditions, to allow desired morphologies to be obtained.
authors.affiliation: The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Daniel T W
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Toolan
authors.forename: Nikki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pullan
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.forename: Paul D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Topham
authors.forename: Jonathan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Howse
keywords: microstructures; polymeric materials; self-assembly; spin-coating; thin films