Phase separation of polymer mixtures induced by polarization-selective chemical reactions: Spatial symmetry breaking and model selection

Abstract

Phase separation of polystyrene / poly (vinyl methyl ether) (PS/PVME) blends was induced and controlled by irradiation with linearly polarized light. The PS component was made photosensitive by chemically labeled with either anthracene or trans- stilbene. The former was used to crosslink the PS component whereas the latter induces phase separation by changing polymer segmental volumes. The phase separation and reaction kinetics were observed and discussed in terms of mode-selection process.