INS2-1667
Accessing Honeycomb Morphology in Comb-Linear Block Copolymers via Side-Chain Density Control
Topic
S2. High-End Characterization/Polymer Physics/Properties
When and Where
Oct 1, 2026
14:00 - 14:25
Room 103
Session Chairs
Jeong Min JI
Presenter(s)
Sheng Li (KAIST)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Block copolymers can self-assemble into nanoscale domains with regular periodicity, but the range of readily accessible morphologies remains largely limited to the classical structures established by the phase behavior of linear diblock copolymers. We address this limitation by designing comb-linear block copolymers in which the interfacial curvature can be tuned through systematic variation of side-chain density. The comb-linear block copolymers are derived from a linear diblock precursor comprising a reactive poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate) (PPFPA) minor block and a polystyrene (PS) major block, followed by post-polymerization grafting of amine-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) side chains onto the PPFPA block. Increasing the PEG side-chain density progressively changes the domain morphology. At moderate PEG side-chain densities, a flat interface is adopted, yielding an asymmetric lamellar morphology. Further increasing the PEG density results in a continuous PEG-rich network that encloses the compositionally major PS block within discrete domains. The PEG network maintains a flat interface with uniform wall thickness, giving rise to a honeycomb morphology with faceted interfaces. Molecular simulations provide further insight into the competing interactions among the different blocks that stabilize this unusual domain geometry.
