Abstract
Nucleation of various ordered phases in block copolymers is studied by examining the free-energy landscape within the self-consistent field theory. The minimum energy path (MEP) connecting two ordered phases is computed using a recently developed string method. The shape, size, and free-energy barrier of critical nuclei are obtained from the MEP, providing information about the emergence of a stable ordered phase from a metastable phase. In particular, structural evolution of embryonic gyroid nucleus is predicted to follow two possible MEPs, revealing an interesting transition pathway with an intermediate perforated layered structure.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Article number | 148301 |
| Journal | Physical review letters |
| Volume | 104 |
| Issue number | 14 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Apr 9 2010 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Physics and Astronomy(all)
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Cheng, X., Lin, L., Weinan, W., Zhang, P., & Shi, A. C. (2010). Nucleation of ordered phases in block copolymers. Physical review letters, 104(14), [148301]. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.148301