Order and Disorder in Strongly Segregated Block Copolymers

技术概述：嵌段共聚物是聚合物工业中增长最快的部分之一，在北美每年的销售额超过3000亿美元。这些材料是通过将两个或多个化学上不同的线性聚合物链偶联在一起而制备的，从而产生具有多种功能和多方面物理性质的大分子，这些大分子源于聚合物块在纳米尺度上的分离。嵌段共聚物的现代技术应用，例如在微电子工业中，需要不断缩小和更复杂的纳米级结构，低于当前理论知识和实践理解所设定的限制。该项目旨在建立在这种新结构极限下控制嵌段共聚物相行为和机械性能的基本原理。模型材料包含两个、三个或更多聚合物块的各种组合，将通过控制聚合合成，并使用小角度x射线和中子散射、电子显微镜、动态机械光谱和许多其他复杂技术进行表征。通过严格控制分子量和组成，这些材料将在有序-无序过渡（ODT）附近制备。ODT是设计多嵌段共聚物用于后续应用的关键工艺参数。这项工作的发现旨在刺激新的理论发展以及令人兴奋的实际应用。非技术总结：聚合物材料，包括塑料和弹性体，医疗器械和医药辅助，以及微电子工业的关键要素构成了国家经济中最重要的商业驱动力之一。这项研究计划将指导新的和更通用的聚合物材料的发展，同时教育在这一关键技术领域工作的下一代科学家和工程师。新的和更苛刻的合成聚合物应用要求在纳米尺度上发展微观结构特征，比人类头发的直径小几千倍。科学和工程目标将通过最先进的合成化学加上复杂的结构分析和物理性质评估来实现。这项技术计划将为工业界提供具有竞争力的工具，用于设计和实施新的创新产品。通过一个名为Energy and u的互动项目，将培养3-12年级学生对科学和工程的兴趣。这项活动每年吸引成千上万的学生和无数家庭来到这所大学，在教授有关能源和社会的重要课程的同时，体验激发敬畏和兴奋的体验。

TECHNICAL SUMMARY:Block copolymers constitute one of the fastest growing segments of the polymer industry, which accounts for more than $300B annually of commerce in North America. These materials are prepared by coupling together two or more chemically distinct linear polymer chains, resulting in macromolecules endowed with multiple functionality and multifaceted physical properties that derive from segregation of the polymer blocks on a nanometer scale. Modern technical applications of block copolymers, for example in the microelectronics industry, require constantly diminishing and more complex nanoscale structures, below the limits set by current theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. This project aims to establish the fundamental principles that govern block copolymer phase behavior and mechanical properties in this new structural limit. Model materials, containing various combinations of two, three or more polymer blocks will be synthesized by controlled polymerization and characterized using small-angle x-ray and neutron scattering, electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical spectroscopy, and a host of other sophisticated techniques. These materials will be prepared near the order-disorder transition (ODT) by tightly controlling molecular weight and composition. The ODT represents a key processing parameter for designing multiblock copolymers for subsequent applications. The findings of this work are intended to spur new theoretical developments along with exciting practical applications. NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY:Polymeric materials, including plastics and elastomers, medical devices and pharmaceutical aids, and key elements of the microelectronics industry constitute one of the most important commercial drivers in the nation's economy. This research program will guide the development of new and more versatile polymeric materials while educating the next generation of scientists and engineers working in this critical area of technology. New and more demanding applications of synthetic polymers mandates the development of microscopic structural features at nanometer length scales, thousands of times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. The scientific and engineering goals will be achieved through state of the art synthetic chemistry coupled with sophisticated structural analysis and physical property evaluation. This technical program will provide industry with competitive tools for the design and implementation of new and innovative products. Interest in science and engineering will be fostered in students in grades 3-12 through an interactive program called Energy and U. This activity brings thousands of students and numerous families to the University annually for an experience that stimulates awe and excitement while teaching important lessons about energy and society.