Chemical Processing of Assembled Block Copolymers

Abstract

Block copolymers undergo various kinds of assembly. In block-selective solvents, they self-assemble and form micelles with a shape governed by the composition of the block copolymer and the interfacial tension between the micellar core and the solvent. They undergo self-assembly not only in bulk and form periodic structures with a domain size and shape tunable by changing the molecular weight and composition of the copolymer, but also in a controlled volume or two-dimensional space created for them via emulsification. Using ABA triblock copolymers at high dilution in poor solvents for the end blocks can lead to the end blocks undergoing intrachain assembly to yield unimolecular cycles. Reviewed in this chapter is the performance of domain-selective cross-linking or/and degradation of such assembled block copolymers to yield novel functional block copolymer architectures or materials. Properties and potential applications of the example materials thus prepared are also reviewed.