Abstract
We present a method to fabricate micropatterns of a self-assembled block copolymer droplets with hierarchically ordered nanostructures by controlling solvent-assisted wetting of the droplets. This method is based on transfer-printing the micropatterned dewetted droplets formed onto a topographic poly(dimethylsiloxane) prepattern to a silicon wafer, followed by wetting triggered by solvent annealing. Solvent vapor provides sufficient mobility of block copolymer molecules in convex-shaped micropatterns and allows for controlling the 2D circular spread of the ∼7 nm thick brush monolayer, resulting in a novel structure hierarchically terraced with ordered spherical microdomains in the individual block copolymer droplets. Our micropatterning technique capable of controlling both shape and microstructure of individual droplets also enables us to produce a novel polarity tunable surface since contact angle of a water droplet is easily tailored as a function of solvent annealing time on micropatterns.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 5352-5357 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Macromolecules |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2010 Jun 22 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Organic Chemistry
- Polymers and Plastics
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Chemistry