Mesoscale networks and corresponding transitions from self-assembly of block copolymers

A series of cubic network phases was obtained from the self-assembly of a single-composition lamellae (L)-forming block copolymer (BCP) polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) through solution casting using a PS-selective solvent. An unusual network phase in diblock copolymers, double-primitive phase (DP) with space group of Im3m, can be observed. With the reduction of solvent evaporation rate for solution casting, a double-diamond phase (DD) with space group of Pn3m can be formed. By taking advantage of thermal annealing, order-order transitions from the DP and DD phases to a double-gyroid phase (DG) with space group of Ia3d can be identified. The order-order transitions from DP (hexapod network) to DD (tetrapod network), and finally to DG (trigonal planar network) are attributed to the reduction of the degree of packing frustration within the junction (node), different from the predicted Bonnet transformation from DD to DG, and finally to DP based on enthalpic consideration only. This discovery suggests a new methodology to acquire various network phases from a simple diblock system by kinetically controlling self-assembling process.

Automated summary

By controlling the solvent evaporation rate for solution casting and utilizing thermal annealing, various network phases were successfully obtained and a new order-order transition pathway was discovered. This finding provides a new approach to acquiring diverse network phases from a simple diblock system by kinetically controlling the self-assembling process.