Condensed Matter Physics, 2015, vol. 18, No. 2, 23801
DOI:10.5488/CMP.18.23801           arXiv:1506.07983

Title: Microphase transitions of block copolymer/homopolymer under shear flow
Author(s):
  Y. Guo (School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, 041004, China) ,
  J. Zhang (School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, 041004, China) ,
  B. Wang (School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, 041004, China) ,
  H. Wu (School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, 041004, China) ,
  M. Sun (School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, 041004, China) ,
  J. Pan (School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, 041004, China)

Cell dynamics simulation is used to investigate the phase behavior of block copolymer/homopolymer mixture subjected to a steady shear flow. Phase transitions occur from transverse to parallel and then to perpendicular lamellar structure with an increase of shear rate and this is the result of interaction between the shear flow and the concentration fluctuation. Rheological properties, such as normal stress differences and shear viscosity, are all closely related with the direction of the lamellae. Furthermore, we specifically explore the phase behavior and the order parameter under weak and strong shear of two different initial states, and realize the importance of the thermal history. It is necessary to apply the shear field at the appropriate time if we want to get what we want. These results provide an easy method to create ordered, defect-free materials in experiment and engineering technology through imposing shear flow.

Key words: self-assembly, block copolymer, homopolymer, shear flow
PACS: 83.50.Ax, 64.75.Yz, 83.80.Tc, 83.10.Tv


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