Self-assembly in ω-functionalized block copolymers of styrene and isoprene

The spatial organization of end-functionalized diblock copolymers of styrene and isoprene revealed two separate levels of microphase separation: one between the two blocks forming the microdomain and another between the polar and non-polar material. The association produced by the latter process has a pronounced effect on the dynamics as revealed in rheology and dielectric spectroscopy. The introduction of a polar group into the different chain-ends has a dramatic effect on the phase behavior of the diblock copolymers and provides new ways of controlling their miscibility.