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Two-dimensional arrays self-assembled via interference of concentration modulation waves in drying solutions

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Li, Shunpu 
Chun, Young Tea 
Li, Jin 
Ahn, Hyungju 

Abstract

Self-assembling of patterned nanostructures in solution-processed thin films with multiphase block-copolymers is possible. Generation of small and well-defined regular structures directly from single-phase polymer films is challenging. Here, 2-dimensional (2D) patterned array in single-phase polymers was self-assembled by a solution process. One-dimensional spinodal precipitation with a characteristic wavelength was created along a pinned contact line of the drying solution to form a one-dimensional periodic structure (1DPS) via geometry and concentration confinements. The latter was uncovered from the liquid by sequential depinning and repinning of the contact line. A new 1DPS with an inherited phase re-emerged and triggered depinning and repinning. The process was self-repeated and a 2D array formed with a tuneable lattice type and parameters, which was governed by the interference of two concentration-modulated waves.

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Keywords

Journal Title

Materials Horizons

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2051-6347
2051-6355

Volume Title

6

Publisher

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Sponsorship
EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Ultra Precision (EP/I033491/1).