Molecular design of block- and graft polymers and their nanophase-separated hierarchical structures in condensed systems

Studies on self-assembled multiphase structures of block- and graft polymers in condensed systems were reviewed. The article includes six chapters. Individual chapters are as follows: Chap. 1, Introduction; Chap. 2; history of nanophase-separated structure; Chap. 3, preparation and characterization of polymer samples; Chap. 4, morphological observations; Chap. 5; several properties; and Chap. 6, summary. The main chapter is Chap. 4. It consists of 1) morphological transition with composition, 2) domain spacing and chain dimensions of component polymers in bulk, 3) phase transition depending on external fields and microdomain interface, and 4) new hierarchical structures from newly-designed polymers. Basically amorphous polymers were treated either in glassy state or in rubbery state to avoid confusion. Amphiphilic molecules or polyelectrolytes in solutions and micelle formation of block copolymers in selective solvents were excluded due to lack of space though such fields have potential importance. Two schemes and 16 figures were used to explain research achievements and about 100 references were cited.