TY - JOUR
T1 - Nucleation of ordered phases in block copolymers
AU - Cheng, Xiuyuan
AU - Lin, Ling
AU - Weinan, Weinan
AU - Zhang, Pingwen
AU - Shi, An Chang
PY - 2010/4/9
Y1 - 2010/4/9
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
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U2 - 10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.148301
DO - 10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.148301
M3 - Article
C2 - 20481967
AN - SCOPUS:77950671656
SN - 0031-9007
VL - 104
JO - Physical Review Letters
JF - Physical Review Letters
IS - 14
M1 - 148301
ER -