Superlattices in block copolymer blends with attractive interactions

Abstract

Blends of microphase separated polystyrene-block-polybutadiene-blockpoly(methacrylic acid) triblock copolymers (SBA) with polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (SV) or poly(2-vinylpyridine)-block-poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) (VC) diblock copolymers were prepared and characterized. Attractive segmental interactions through hydrogen bonds between A and V could be monitored by infrared spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis. Common superlattices were obtained by casting from a mixed solution of these block copolymers in tetrahydrofuran and were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Varying the amount of hydrogen bonding donors via controlled saponification of an SBT triblock copolymer (T: poly(tert-butyl methacrylate)) lead to different superlattices in blends with a VC diblock copolymer.