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Title: Comprehensive Phase Behavior of Poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-ethylene oxide) Triblock Copolymers

Journal Article · · Macromolecules
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ma062249s· OSTI ID:1007570

The phase behavior of 44 poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-ethylene oxide) (ISO) linear triblock copolymer melts was investigated at weak to intermediate segregation strengths and spanning a comprehensive range of compositions. Phases were characterized by a combination of experimental techniques, including small-angle X-ray scattering, dynamic mechanical spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and birefringence measurements. Combined with our previous results, six different stable ordered state symmetries have been identified: lamellae (LAM), Fddd orthorhombic network (O{sup 70}), double gyroid (Q{sup 230}), alternating gyroid (Q{sup 214}), hexagonal (HEX), and body-centered cubic (BCC). The phase map of ISO specimens was found to be somewhat asymmetric around the f{sub I} = f{sub O} isopleth. This work provides a guide for theoretical studies and gives insight into the intricate effects of various parameters on the self-assembly of ABC triblock copolymers. Experimental SAXS data evaluated with a simple scattering intensity model show that local mixing varies continuously across the phase map between states of two- and three-domain segregation.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States). Advanced Photon Source (APS)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
1007570
Journal Information:
Macromolecules, Vol. 40, Issue (8) ; 04, 2007
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH