Segmental interpenetration at polymer-polymer interfaces. Final report

摘要

The support of the Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, initiated funding of the research of this PI under a project that dealt strictly with the investigation of diblock copolymers at the interface between two homopolymers. This initial effort was completed and met with tremendous success including the development of neutron reflectivity and dynamic secondary ion mass spectroscopy methods to examine copolymer composition profiles at interfaces. These studies were augmented by theoretical, simulation and experimental methods. The combination of these different methodologies yielded a quantitative picture of copolymer interfacial segregation. The projects then took several different courses owing to results from this initial funding period. In particular, research on the interfacial behavior of copolymers led directly into the behavior of copolymers on solid surfaces, the effects of surface confinement on block copolymers, the mobility of polymers at a free surface and in thin films and, ultimately, to the modification of surfaces to manipulate copolymer morphology, the most recent thrust of the research project. Each of these accomplishments has been outlined in the yearly summaries of the research submitted to the Department of Energy. Provided here are the accomplishments of the research during the 1996 period. In addition, a list of publications resulting from this work is given.