Hydrodynamically driven self-assembly of block copolymers studied by on-line small angle x-ray scattering

摘要

New class of materials is taking advantage of self-organization at the molecular scale but also at the larger scale. For instance, the microphase separation of block copolymers induces local properties specific to each block. We are presenting in this paper the self-ordering of block copolymer solutions hydrodynamically controlled. We are coupling in-situ structural investigations with on-line rheometry. The fast data acquisition rate, down to the millisecond time scale, allows describing the mechanisms of macromolecular self-assembly at the early states, hence permitting the study of transients. The influence of hydrodynamic regimes on the microphase separated domain orientation, i.e. lamellae or cylinders will be shown. The enhancement of the level of self-assembly applied to film deposition will be discussed. The combination of structural and macroscopic information becomes a major asset to define the key parameters for film deposition technologies.