Complex Phase Behavior in Binary Blends of AB Diblock Copolymer and ABC Triblock Terpolymer
So Jung Park, Frank S. Bates, Kevin D. Dorfman
Abstract
Blending block polymers with different block compositions provides an opportunity to create nanostructures that are not accessible from neat block copolymer melts. In this study, we investigate the equilibrium phase behavior in binary blends composed of an AB diblock copolymer and an ABC triblock terpolymer, using self-consistent field theory (SCFT). Blending these simple linear block polymers results in complex phase behaviors, including unusual core–shell network phases with asymmetric core and shell volume fractions and a new cylinder-in-O 70 hybrid network phase. The phase diagrams with respect to segregation strength and blend composition reveal an unexpected morphological richness, including 15 ordered phases, illustrating the potential inherent in blending these relatively simple components.