Communication: Self-assembly of semiflexible-flexible block copolymers

N. Arun Kumar*, Venkat Ganesan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Article number101101
JournalJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
Volume136
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 14 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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