Self-assembly of block copolymers on surfaces exposed to space-confined solvent vapor annealing. (24th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Babutan, Iulia; Todor-Boer, Otto; Atanase, Leonard Ionut; Vulpoi, Adriana; Simon, Simion; Botiz, Ioan
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 273(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04-24
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2023.125881
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: We apply here an optimized polymer processing approach, based on solvent vapor annealing in a space-confined environment, to generate previously unrevealed self-assembled microstructures comprised of periodic lamellar or hexagonal nanostructures of molecular dimensions, depending on the type of block copolymer that is used. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: An improved polymer processing method, based on solvent vapor annealing in a space-confined environment, is proposed. Thin polymers films are swollen-rich to become quasi-2D "solutions" and favor the mobile polymer chains to self-assemble. Self-assembled lamellar and hexagonal microstructures of two block copolymers are revealed after processing.