Self-assembly of linear rod-coil multiblock copolymers

The self-assembly of the linear rod-coil multiblock copolymers is studied by applying self-consistent-field lattice techniques in a three-dimensional (3D) space. Compared to the copolymer with one rod, the copolymer with more rods (m (rod) a parts per thousand yen 2) exhibits rich order-order phase transitions with increasing temperature, where the ordered morphology changes from strips to perforated lamellae and finally to lamellae. In addition, taking the copolymer with m (rod) = 2 as a representative, we further study the effects of the volume fractions of the rods, the spacer coils and the end coils on the phase behaviors respectively, by which the detailed self-assembled mechanism of the linear rod-coil multiblock copolymers is revealed. Our results are expected to provide guidance for the design of the rod-coil materials.