Micelle shape transitions in block copolymer/homopolymer blends: comparison of self-consistent field theory with experiment

Greenall, M. J.; Buzza, D. M. A.; McLeish, T. C. B.

Abstract

Diblock copolymers blended with homopolymer may self-assemble into spherical, cylindrical, or lamellar aggregates. Transitions between these structures may be driven by varying the homopolymer diblock molecular weight or composition. Using self-consistent field theory (SCFT), we reproduce these effects. Our results are compared to x-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy measurements by Kinning and good agreement is found, although the tendency to form cylindrical and lamellar structures is sometimes overestimated due to our neglect of edge effects due to the finite size of these aggregates. Our results demonstrate that SCFT can provide detailed information on the self-assembly of isolated block copolymer aggregates.

Citation

Greenall, M. J., Buzza, D. M. A., & McLeish, T. C. B. (2009). Micelle shape transitions in block copolymer/homopolymer blends: comparison of self-consistent field theory with experiment. The Journal of chemical physics, 131(3), Article 034904. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3170938

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 1, 2009
• Online Publication Date: Jul 21, 2009
• Publication Date: Jul 21, 2009
• Journal: JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
• Print ISSN: 0021-9606
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 131
• Issue: 3
• Article Number: 034904
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3170938
• Keywords: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry; General Physics and Astronomy
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/396223
• Publisher URL: https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/1.3170938