Striped networks and other hierarchical structures in A_mB_mC_n (2m+n)-miktoarm star terpolymer melts

TY - JOUR

T1 - Striped networks and other hierarchical structures in AmBmCn (2m+n)-miktoarm star terpolymer melts

AU - Kirkensgaard, Jacob Judas Kain

PY - 2012/3/8

Y1 - 2012/3/8

N2 - Using dissipative particle dynamics simulations we give numerical evidence of the formation of "striped" (or AB alternating) diamond and gyroid network structures and other hierarchical morphologies in A mB mC n (2m+n)-miktoarm star terpolymers where the main variable is the ratio x=n/m with m,n being the number of equal length polymer arms of A and B and C, respectively. The formed networks are purely a result of the star topology, as clearly shown by direct comparison with parallel ABC miktoarm star terpolymer simulations with matching overall composition. Progressively changing x, the system adopts the following phase sequence: three-colored lamellae, C spheres embedded in AB lamellae, C spheres decorating AB lamellae, three-colored [6.6.6] tiling, AB striped diamond network, AB striped gyroid network, AB striped hexagonally arranged cylinders, and finally AB striped globular aggregates. The striped gyroid is particularly interesting as it constitutes an inherently chiral structure made from achiral building blocks.

AB - Using dissipative particle dynamics simulations we give numerical evidence of the formation of "striped" (or AB alternating) diamond and gyroid network structures and other hierarchical morphologies in A mB mC n (2m+n)-miktoarm star terpolymers where the main variable is the ratio x=n/m with m,n being the number of equal length polymer arms of A and B and C, respectively. The formed networks are purely a result of the star topology, as clearly shown by direct comparison with parallel ABC miktoarm star terpolymer simulations with matching overall composition. Progressively changing x, the system adopts the following phase sequence: three-colored lamellae, C spheres embedded in AB lamellae, C spheres decorating AB lamellae, three-colored [6.6.6] tiling, AB striped diamond network, AB striped gyroid network, AB striped hexagonally arranged cylinders, and finally AB striped globular aggregates. The striped gyroid is particularly interesting as it constitutes an inherently chiral structure made from achiral building blocks.

U2 - 10.1103/physreve.85.031802

DO - 10.1103/physreve.85.031802

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 22587114

SN - 2470-0045

VL - 85

JO - Physical Review E

JF - Physical Review E

M1 - 031802

ER -