POS2-0400
Nonclassical Domain Morphologies in Comb-linear Block Copolymers and Their Crystallization Behavior
Topic
S2. High-End Characterization/Polymer Physics/Properties
When and Where
Sep 29, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Hae Jung SON
Boseok KANG
Presenter(s)
Dongyeol Kum (KAIST)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Architectural asymmetry in comb-linear block copolymers (BCPs) alters interfacial curvature and chain-stretching penalties, driving distinct self-assembly behaviors that deviate from those of linear BCPs. In this study, we report the formation of nonclassical morphologies in (poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate)-g-poly(ethylene glycol))-b-polystyrene ((PPFPA-g-PEG)-b-PS) comb-linear BCP system. The polymers were synthesized via post-polymerization modification of a PPFPA-b-PS precursor with amine-functionalized PEG, enabling precise control over grafting density. Variation of PEG side-chain density drove the formation of an asymmetric lamellae (aLAM) morphology at low grafting densities and inverted cylinders (iCYL) at high grafting densities, both of which are inaccessible to conventional linear BCPs. Furthermore, the iCYL morphology exhibited suppressed crystallization temperatures and distinct crystallization kinetics compared with linear BCPs exhibiting cylindrical domains, highlighting the influence of domain geometry on crystallization behavior.
