Phase separation of polymer blends and block copolymers under confined spaces have received much attention due to their various morphologies different from bulk states. For example, many experimental and theoretical studies of block copolymer phase separation have been conducted in 1D confinement systems in film and 2D confinement systems in anodic aluminum oxide (AAO). Phase-separated structures in 3D confined spaces have also attracted much attention. Block copolymer and polymer blended microparticles can be considered as a typical three-dimensional confined space.<br/>We have reported a simple method for fabrication microparticles from polymer blends and block copolymers by evaporating a good solvent from a polymer solution containing poor solvent. During evaporation of the good solvent, polymer precipitates into the poor solvent and eventually form spherical microparticles. By using this “Self-ORganized Precipitation (SORP)” technique, microparticles with phase separated structures from polymer blends and block copolymers have been prepared (Figure). Janus, core-shell and Ashura-type phase separated structures were formed from binary and ternary blended polymer microparticles. Also, microphase separated structures were found in the block copolymer microparticles as same as bulk states. Furthermore, frustrated phase separated structures different from the bulk states were also formed under 3D confined geometry. The theoretical model for estimating phase separated structures under 3D confinement has developed based on Cahn-Hilliard equations.<br/>In order to apply those nanostructured microparticles to sensors, probes for immunoassays, displays, composite particles were formed with metallic nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, and biomolecules.

Polymer self-assembly under 3D confinement

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.