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Synthesis of Monodisperse Cylindrical Nanoparticles via Crystallization-driven Self-assembly of Biodegradable Block Copolymers
Published on: June 20, 2019
Thin Films with Perpendicular Tetragonally Packed Rectangular Rods Obtained from Blends of Linear ABC Block
Aynur Guliyeva1, Marylène Vayer1, Fabienne Warmont1
1Interfaces, Confinement, Matériaux et Nanostructures (ICMN) UMR 7374, CNRS-Université d'Orléans, CS 40059, F-45071 Orléans, France.
Researchers created ordered nanostructures using a blend of poly(isoprene-block-styrene-block-(2-vinylpyridine)) terpolymers. These self-assembled films serve as templates for nanopatterning applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Block copolymers self-assemble into ordered nanostructures.
- Poly(isoprene-block-styrene-block-(2-vinylpyridine)) (ISP) terpolymers offer tunable morphologies.
- Ordered nanostructures are crucial for advanced materials and devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the self-assembly of a binary blend of ISP terpolymers with varying compositions.
- To achieve ordered nanostructures with 4-fold symmetry for nanopatterning.
- To characterize the morphology and orientation of the self-assembled domains.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of thin films via spin coating.
- Solvent vapor annealing for morphological reorganization.
- Characterization using atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS).
Main Results:
- An ordered lattice with 4-fold symmetry of poly(isoprene) (I) and poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P) rods was achieved.
- The I and P domains were oriented perpendicularly to the substrate.
- A novel electronic contrast enhancement technique was developed for GISAXS analysis.
Conclusions:
- The binary blend of ISP terpolymers successfully forms ordered nanostructures.
- These self-assembled structures are suitable templates for nanopatterning.
- Advanced characterization techniques enable precise structural assignment.
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