A Comparison of Y-, H-, and π-shaped Diblock Copolymers via Dissipative Particle Dynamics
Resource
Macromolecular Theory and Simulations,17(4),198-207.
Journal
Macromolecular Theory and Simulations
Journal Volume
17
Journal Issue
4
Pages
198-207
Date Issued
2008-07
Date
2008-07
Author(s)
Abstract
Abstract The phase behaviors, molecular conformations, and structural length scales of Y‐ (AB 2 ), H‐ (B 2 AB 2 ), and π ‐shaped [B(A)B(A)B] copolymers are compared using dissipative particle dynamics. Though their phase diagrams are similar, the stability of microstructures is enhanced with increasing complexity of molecular architecture (linear → Y → H or π ). In addition, the greater entropy loss associated with the disorder‐to‐order transition for H and π architectures makes it more difficult for them to undergo a microphase separation. When the H and π molecules pack to form an ordered structure, due to the significant presence of the chains in a bridge conformation, the structural length scales are strongly restricted. magnified image
SDGs
Type
journal article