Diversifying self-assembled phases in block copolymer thin films via blending

Citation

Doerk, G.S.; Yager, K.G. "Diversifying self-assembled phases in block copolymer thin films via blending" Physical Review Materials 2023, 7 120301.
doi: 10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.7.120301

Summary

We review recent results where blending of block-copolymers is used to control structure formation, diversifying the range of nano-structures that one can form via self-assembly.

Abstract

Block copolymer (BCP) thin films readily self-assemble into intricate nanoscale morphologies, with structure dictated by chain architecture. As the field searches for more control over structure formation, it is natural to investigate more sophisticated control mechanisms, such as synthesizing more complex chain architectures or applying directing fields. We review the use of a simple but powerful method for controlling self-assembly: blending of BCPs with homopolymers or other BCPs. Blending enables tailoring ordering kinetics, the spatial distribution of chains throughout the film thickness, and the nanoscale morphology itself. Blending is thus emerging as a remarkably simple and powerful means of tailoring self-assembled morphologies.