The self-assembly of two-component (A/B) block polymers into classical phases (lamellae, gyroid, hexagonally-packed cylinders, and body-centered cubic spheres) has been extensively studied from both fundamental and applied perspectives. Recently, a class of complex structures known as “Frank–Kasper” phases — previously observed in metals, surfactants, and dendrimers — has also been discovered in linear block polymers. This presentation will probe the effect of polymer architecture on Frank–Kasper phase selection using a complement of new materials design, contemporary synthetic methods, and self-consistent field theory. Block polymer architecture plays a key role in promoting the symmetry breaking that is characteristic of Frank–Kasper phase formation. Our insights connecting molecular and mesoscopic structure lay the groundwork for expanding the utility of block polymers through an improved understanding of unique self-assembly behavior.

Self-assembly, symmetry breaking, and block polymer architecture

2019 Spring National Meeting

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