Complete mapping of the morphologies of some linear and graft fluorinated co-oligomers in an aprotic solvent by dissipative particle dynamics

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.2162885

The mesoscopic morphologies of linear and graft fluorinated block copolymers of ABCBA and C:BA types, respectively, have been investigated by using dissipative particle dynamics method. Self-assembly in a selective solvent has been examined by the introduction of dimethylformamide as the choice of solvent. By comparing the solubility parameters calculated using atomistic simulations, fluorine-containing segments are found to be immiscible both with other segments of the polymer and with the solvent. Morphologies of the pure linear and graft copolymers were lamellar and cylindrical, respectively. Interfacial tension versus concentration curves have been used to explain the self-assembly behavior of copolymers in solution, as well as to predict the kinetic mechanisms responsible for this behavior.