Issue 3, 2009

Disordered nanoparticle interfaces for directed self-assembly

Abstract

Self-assembly is a promising route for controlling the nanoscale structure and material properties of coatings, yet it remains difficult to control the microstructure of these systems. In particular, self-assembling materials typically have complex and delicate energy landscapes, which are sensitive to defects, making it difficult to control morphology or orientation. We present a simple and robust strategy for modulating the film-substrate interaction, which can bias the self-assembly energy landscape and thus enforce a desired microstructure. The technique uses nanoparticles with tunable surface energy to generate a rough interface with controlled properties. The intentionally disordered interface is tolerant to variation in substrate preparation. We apply this technique to block-copolymer lamellae, and demonstrate a remarkable thickness-dependence of the induced orientation, consistent with theoretical predictions. The simultaneous control of substrate energy and topography enables expression of the vertical lamellae state without rigorous control of the preparation conditions. We measure an 8-fold increase in surface energy tolerance compared to flat substrates.

Graphical abstract: Disordered nanoparticle interfaces for directed self-assembly

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
12 Aug 2008
Accepted
15 Oct 2008
First published
17 Nov 2008

Soft Matter, 2009,5, 622-628

Disordered nanoparticle interfaces for directed self-assembly

K. G. Yager, B. C. Berry, K. Page, D. Patton, A. Karim and E. J. Amis, Soft Matter, 2009, 5, 622 DOI: 10.1039/B813970A

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