Density mismatch in thin diblock copolymer films

TL;DR

This paper uses a cell dynamical system model to simulate how density differences and gravity influence the formation and orientation of lamellar patterns in thin diblock copolymer films, providing insights into their concentration profiles.

Contribution

It introduces a simulation approach to analyze the effects of density mismatch and gravity on lamellar pattern orientation in diblock copolymer films.

Findings

Density mismatch and gravity induce parallel lamellar orientation.

A functional form for concentration profiles in weak segregation regime is proposed.

Simulations reveal the influence of density differences on pattern formation.

Abstract

Thin films of diblock copolymer subject to gravitational field are simulated by means of a cell dynamical system model. The difference in density of the two sides of the molecule and the presence of the field causes the formation of lamellar patterns with orientation parallel to the confining walls even when they are neutral. The concentration profile of those films is analyzed in the weak segregation regime and a functional form for the profile is proposed.