Abstract
We apply the methodology of self-consistent Brownian dynamics simulations to study the self-assembly behavior in melts of semiflexible-flexible diblock copolymers as a function of the persistence length of the semiflexible block. Our results reveal a novel progression of morphologies in transitioning from the case of flexible-coil to rod-coil copolymers. At even moderate persistence lengths, the morphologies in the semiflexible-block rich region of the phase diagram transform to liquid crystalline phases. In contrast, the phases in the flexible-block rich region of the phase diagram persist up to much larger persistence lengths. Our analysis suggests that the development of orientational order in the semiflexible block to be a critical factor influencing the morphologies of self-assembly.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 101101 |
Journal | JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS |
Volume | 136 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 14 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry