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Finite-size effects on surface segregation in polymer blend films above and below the critical point of phase separation

H. Grüll1,2, L. Sung1, A. Karim1, J. F. Douglas1, S. K. Satija1, M. Hayashi3, H. Jinnai3, T. Hashimoto3 and C. C. Han1

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We investigate the influence of temperature and confinement on surface segregation in thin films of deuterated polybutadiene and polyisoprene near the critical point for phase separation. Neutron reflectivity measurements show that polyisoprene enriches at the air and silicon interfaces in both the 1- and 2-phase regions. A transition between in-plane and surface-directed (layered) phase separation is observed with increasing film thickness. Weak critical adsorption effects cause the blend composition profile to be rounded in comparison with profiles normally measured in small liquid mixtures.


PACS

61.05.fj Neutron reflectometry

68.08.Bc Wetting

05.70.Fh Phase transitions: general studies

Subjects

Soft matter, liquids and polymers

Surfaces, interfaces and thin films

Statistical physics and nonlinear systems

Dates

Issue 5 (March 2004)

Received 26 August 2003, accepted for publication 5 January 2004, in final form 5 January 2004



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