Abstract
We report a study of poly(styrene- block-butyl acrylate) (PSBA) block copolymer brushes on the surfaces of intercalated and exfoliated silicate (clay) layers. The PSBA/clay nanocomposite was synthesized by in situ atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from initiator moieties immobilized within the silicate galleries of the clay particles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed the existence of both intercalated and exfoliated structures in the nanocomposite. Block copolymer brushes on the surface of exfoliated or intercalated clay layers were found to create nanopatterns after treatment in different solvents. For the block copolymer brushes after treatment in THF, uniform collapsed brush layers are observed. After treatment in acetone, a selective solvent for PBA, wormlike surface aggregates are observed. After treatment in methanol, a precipitant for both of the blocks, micelles as well as wormlike aggregates can be observed. Furthermore, the polymer brushes tend to aggregate together and change their nanopatterns at an elevated temperature.
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