Dynamic IR Studies of Microdomain Interphases of Isotope-Labeled Block Copolymers

Abstract

ABSTRACTBy probing the localized segmental motion of isotope-labeled block copolymers, the physical nature of the interphase region between microphaseseparated domains of block polymers was examined. Dynamic infrared linear dichroism (DIRLD) spectroscopy, which measures the reorientations of submolecular structures induced by a small-amplitude oscillatory strain, was combined with specific isotope-labeling using deuterium-substituted monomers. The latter technique enabled us to differentiate the dynamic responses of well-defined parts of block segments, e.g., near the segment junction, chain end, or middle of the block. The degree of segmental interactions near the interphase region of styrene-isoprene diblock copolymers were studied as a function of the segment location and temperature. The reorientational motion of the polystyrene segment, especially near the block junction, was monitored around the glass transition temperature of the polyisoprene matrix. From this result, the degree of segmental mixing in the interphase region which leads to local plasticization of the polystyrene segment was determined.