Re-shaping of monodisperse block copolymer particles by solvent vapor annealing

Abstract

Research of block copolymer self-assembly is proceeded to fabricate unique nano-structures and it proposed various industrial applications. Most of all, solvent annealing process is fascinating research area to precisely control morphologies in two-dimension confined area like thin-film. However, few research teams are reported about block copolymer particles even though colloidal particles can show unique particle shape and functionality depending on their molecular weight and volume fraction of each block like thin film. Control of size-dispersity and mass production need to be resolved for future application of these particles. Here, we demonstrate size controlled, monodisperse PS-b-P4VP spheres are produced by Shirasu Porous Glass (SPG) membrane emulsification, and subsequent chloroform vapor annealing allowed particle shape transformation into ellipsoids, convex-lens, etc. Finally, observing the time-dependent shape transformation while solvent vapor annealing reveals order-order transition behavior of BCP confined in three-dimension confined geometry.