Polymer Photonic Crystals Prepared by Triblock Copolymerization-induced in situ Microphase Separation

Polymer photonic crystals (PPCs) that selectively reflect visible light were prepared by triblock polymerization-induced in situ microphase separation via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The addition of homopolymer to the polymerization system swelled a specific phase of the microdomains, enabling the preparation of PPCs with long-wavelength structural colors. Small-angle neutron scattering confirmed the increase in the domain spacing of the lamellar microdomains with the addition of homopolymer, while maintaining their morphology.

Automated summary

Polymer photonic crystals (PPCs) with selective reflection of visible light were successfully prepared using in situ microphase separation induced by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The addition of homopolymer facilitated the formation of PPCs with long-wavelength structural colors while maintaining the morphology of the lamellar microdomains.