2012 journal article

Interfacial stabilization of bilayered nanolaminates by asymmetric block copolymers

APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS, 100(10).

By: A. Gozen n, J. Genzer n  & R. Spontak n 

co-author countries: United States of America πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
Source: Web Of Science
Added: August 6, 2018

Block copolymers are macromolecular surfactants that self-assemble into a variety of nanostructural elements or reduce the interfacial tension between incompatible polymers. Here, we examine the ability of diblock copolymers differing in composition to stabilize bilayered homopolymer nanolaminates on flat solid supports. In this arrangement, self-assembly competes with interfacial modification and, in one case, promotes destabilization of the top film. To discern the corresponding mechanism, we investigate nanolaminates with a thin copolymer layer positioned between the homopolymer layers. Stabilization commences when this middle layer is sufficiently thick so that the block that is miscible with the top layer forms a brush.