Perforated lamellae morphology in novel P2VP(PDMS-b-PI-b-PS)23-miktoarm star quarterpolymer

Abstract

The melt morphology of a novel P2VP(PDMS-b-PI-b-PS)2 3-miktoarm star quarterpolymer is investigated. The melt morphology is determined using rheology and small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering data in conjunction with dissipative particle dynamics simulations of a model molecule matching the volume fractions of the experimental system. The simulations are used to interpret the scattering data and identify the melt morphology as a new perforated lamellae structure. In this structure the P2VP forms hexagonally perforated lamellae containing close-packed protrusions of PS connecting adjacent lamellae layers of PS. The PI part forms a lining between the P2VP and PS domains constrained by the molecular architecture.