Physics of block copolymers from bulk to thin films

Abstract The superior properties of block copolymers originate from their self-assembled structures in the length scale of 10–100 nm with long-range order. Therefore, understanding the physics of self-assembly is indispensable for block copolymer use in applications. This chapter addresses phase diagram and dynamics of disorder to order transitions in bulk states for neat diblock copolymers as well as a mixture of diblock copolymer and homopolymer. In nano-patterning application, block copolymers are often used as thin films and/or in confined spaces. The role of boundary conditions, especially influences of steric confinement and surface free energy are described.

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