Stable domain size and conformational segregation of short and long blocks during microphase separation in random block copolymers

In this Letter we use computer simulations and test microphase separation for AB-diblock copolymers with different block's statistics. We show that the domain size during microphase separation is stable only for the system with large enough polydispersity, namely with exponential (Flory-type) block length distribution. The reason for stable domain size is a conformational segregation of short and long blocks during the increase of the incompatibility in the system. While short blocks became elongated and occupy the surface of the interphase region, long blocks pushed out to the center of the domain and formed their compact conformations. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.