Tunable Morphologies From Bulk Self-Assemblies of Poly(acryloxypropyl triethoxysilane)-b-poly(styrene)-b-poly(acryloxypropyl triethoxysilane) Triblock Copolymers

Reactive poly(acryloxypropyl triethoxysilane)-b-poly(styrene)-b-poly(acryloxypropyl triethoxysilane) (PAPTES-b-PS-b-PAPTES) triblock copolymers are prepared through nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP). The bulk morphologies formed by this class of copolymers cast into films are examined by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The films morphology can be tuned from spherical structures to lamellar structures by increasing the volume fraction of PS in the copolymer. Thermal annealing at temperatures above 100 degrees C provides sufficient PS mobility to improve ordering.