Semicrystalline Block Copolymers in Rigid Confining Nanopores.

ABSTRACT: We have investigated PLLA crystallization in lamellae-forming PS-b-PLLA confined to straight cylindrical nanopores under weak confinement (nanopore diameter D/equilibrium PS-b-PLLA period L₀ ≥ 4.8). Molten PS-b-PLLA predominantly forms concentric lamellae along the nanopores, but intertwined helices occur even for D/L₀ ≈ 7.3. Quenching PS-b-PLLA melts below T_G(PS) results in PLLA cold crystallization strictly confined by the vitrified PS domains. Above T_G(PS), PLLA crystallization is templated by the PS-b-PLLA melt domain structure in the nanopore centers, while adsorption on the nanopore walls stabilizes the outermost cylindrical PS-b-PLLA shell. In between, the

SUBMITTER: Yau MYE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6114844 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature