ZB 10 - Soft Condensed Matter (R. Holyst)

EDGE PROFILES AT LAMELLAR PHASE MELT INTERFACES

Author(s): HOLYST, R
Title: EDGE PROFILES AT LAMELLAR PHASE MELT INTERFACES
Abstract: We study in the framework of the continuum theory of dislocations the of the interface between an AB diblock copolymer lamellar film on a solid substrate and an A-homopolymer melt. The inside the lamellar phase induces steps at the interface. shape of the profile at the edge of a step (edge profile) depends on distance of the dislocation from the interface. The profile and the location of the dislocations are both studied as a function the film thickness, D. For large D, the dislocation is stabilized at finite distance, h(eq), from the interface, due to the small surface and large surface bending elastic constant, K(s). For zero tension, h(eq) almost-equal-to K(s)/(2K), where K is the bulk elastic constant. For small D, h(eq) is mainly determined by proximity of the solid substrate. The edge profile along the is a monotonic function of the distance along the interface large D of the film and becomes nonmonotonic for small D. Also the energy strongly depends on D for small D. The theory is in connection to recent experimental studies of diblock copolymer films deposited on a solid substrate.
Pages: 817-824
Journal: MACROMOLECULAR THEORY AND SIMULATIONS
Volume: 3
ID: ISI:A1994PF83100001
Year: 1994
DOI: 10.1002/mats.1994.040030501