Block crystallization in model triarm star block copolymers with two crystallizable blocks. A time-resolved SAXS-WAXS study
G. Floudas, G. Reiter, O. Lambert, P. Dumas, F.J. Yeh, B. Chu. In: Scattering from Polymers: Characterization by X-rays, Neutrons, and Light. ACS Symposium Series 739 (2000) 448-455
Abstract
The kinetics of crystallization in model triarm star block copolymers of two crystallizable blocks (poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (DCL)) and an amorphous block (polystyrene (PS)) have been investigated with time resolved synchrotron wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). These model block copolymers form a homogeneous melt and the crystallization of the longer block drives the microphase separation. We have explored the block crystallization in the stars as a function of (i) the length of the two crystallizable blocks and (ii) the crystallization temperature. We found "paths" of delaying of even inhibiting individual block crystallization.