Combining nonlinear pattern formation mechanisms to polymer systems is attractive for directing materials synthesis. One important example is the coupling of polymerization with the self-trapping of optical beams, which are characterized by divergence-free propagation. Here, we demonstrate how morphology evolution and phase separation in polymer blends can be controlled through irradiation with arrays of self-trapping of optical beams. We studied the effects of different weight fractions and exposure intensities on morphology evolution during photopolymerization. An in situ microscopy experiments were conducted to elucidate the nature of the phase separation behavior and morphology evolution in a blended system. <i>In situ</i> confocal Raman measurements of polymer conversion were done to obtain better understating of the kinetics and formation dynamics associated with phase separation induced by self-trapped light. Control over morphology depends strongly on the competitive processes of phase separation and photo-crosslinking. Our findings demonstrate a fundamentally new approach to the patterning of polymer blends, which is important for controlling their critical physical phenomenon and establishing advanced structure-property relationships.

<i>In situ</i> study of morphology evolution in polymer blends during light self-trapping

254th National Meeting (2017)

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In situ study of morphology evolution in polymer blends during light self-trapping