Controlling kink band morphology in block copolymers: Threshold criteria and stability
Abstract
Controlling defects in block copolymers is crucial in optimizing optical, mechanical and transport properties. Forward kink bands can be induced in an aligned lamellar poly(styrene-b-ethylene propylene) diblock copolymer by steady shear if the strain exceeds a critical value. However, these forward kink bands are unstable relative to reverse steady shear, i.e. they can be "erased." The critical strain and the ability to erase kink bands can be extended to large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) alignment, giving additional control over microdomain orientation. Using strain ramping, a parallel-transverse biaxial orientation can be avoided and LAOS can induce a parallel orientation.
- Publication:
-
APS March Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- March 1998
- Bibcode:
- 1998APS..MAR..S811P