Non-native Three-dimensional Block Copolymer Morphologies

Citation

Rahman, A.; Majewski, P.W.; Doerk, G.; Black, C.T.; Yager, K.G. "Non-native Three-dimensional Block Copolymer Morphologies" Nature Communications 2016, 7 13988.
doi: 10.1038/ncomms13988

Summary

We demonstrate a library of previously unreported self-assembled morphologies, assembled using a novel technique. We use block-copolymer self-assembly in a layered and iterative fashion. Each block-copolymer layer contributes to the final structure, but also templates subsequent layers. This 'responsive layering' allows new, non-equilibrium morphologies to be formed.

Abstract

Self-assembly is a powerful paradigm, wherein molecules spontaneously form ordered phases exhibiting well-defined nanoscale periodicity and shapes. However, the inherent energy-minimization aspect of self-assembly yields a very limited set of morphologies, such as lamellae or hexagonally packed cylinders. Here, we show how soft self-assembling materials—block copolymer thin films—can be manipulated to form a diverse library of previously unreported morphologies. In this iterative assembly process, each polymer layer acts as both a structural component of the final morphology and a template for directing the order of subsequent layers. Specifically, block copolymer films are immobilized on surfaces, and template successive layers through subtle surface topography. This strategy generates an enormous variety of three-dimensional morphologies that are absent in the native block copolymer phase diagram.