Evolution in surface morphology during rapid microwave annealing of PS-b-PMMA thin films

Zhe Qiang, Changhuai Ye, Kehua Lin, Matthew L. Becker, Kevin A. Cavicchi, Bryan D. Vogt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Microwave annealing enables rapid (60 s) ordering and orientation of block copolymer films. The developed morphology in polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) thin films depends on details of the heating rate that is controlled by microwave output energy as well as the sample location in the microwave. Over a wide heating rate (1.1–2.7 °C/s), perpendicular orientation of the cylindrical mesostructure at the surface is >50% after 60 s, but goes through a maximum at 1.8 °C/s leading to approximately 97% perpendicular cylinders at the surface. The propagation of this perpendicular surface morphology through the film thickness is also dependent upon the microwave annealing conditions. The surface structure evolves with the microwave annealing time from imperfect ordering to perpendicular cylinders to parallel cylinders as the annealing time increases. This work demonstrates the importance of controlling the heating rate during microwave annealing, which will be critical for optimizing microwave conditions for directed self-assembly.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1499-1506
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Polymer Science, Part B: Polymer Physics
Volume54
Issue number15
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2016

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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