Simulation on self-assembly of α, ω branched copolymer

A self-consistent field theory for alpha,omega branched copolymers is developed, which can be extended to copolymers with any topological architecture. By solving the self-consistent field equation set numerically, ordered morphologies of alpha, omega branched copolymers with H shaped, pi shaped and heteroarm architectures are simulated. Lamellae and hexagonal lattice phases obtained for H shaped and pi shaped respectively are consistent with the experiments. Furthermore, self-assembly of heteroarm-alpha, omega to branched copolymers((AB)C(AB)) are investigated, and six stable microphases are uncovered. It is found that microphase morphologies are determined by the composition of three species. And variation of volume fractions for side chains will not change the ordered structure if composition is fixed. Also, simulation reveals that the junction points lie on the microphase interfaces.