Phase transitions in semiflexible-rod diblock copolymers: a self-consistent field theory
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Published on: February 7, 2017
Shiben Li1, Ying Jiang, Jeff Z Y Chen
1Department of Physics, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
Abstract:
We investigate the phase behavior of semiflexible-rod diblock copolymers in a parameter range where the system displays columnar and lamella structures, using a self-consistent field theory based on the wormlike-chain model. Both Flory-Huggins and Maier-Saupe orientational interactions are incorporated in the formalism, which allows us to explore microphase separation and liquid-crystal ordering simultaneously. Order-to-order phase transitions induced by chain rigidity and orientational interaction are both reported and analyzed. Coupled orientational ordering and spatial inhomogeneity of the four microphase-separated states are discussed in this work: hexagonal column, ellipse column, smectic-A, and smectic-C.
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