KINETICS OF SUPERSTRUCTURE FORMATION IN BLOCK-COPOLYMERS

The kinetics of order formation in symmetric diblock copolymers is inv estigated using a nonlinear dynamic equation. The equilibrium solution is the periodic pattern of the ordered state. The theory describes bo th the regime of weak and Strong segregation. In the latter case we fi nd structure formation to proceed on two time scales: a rapid formatio n of kinks in the concentration profile is followed by a slow ordering of the kinks on to a periodic lattice. Explicit formulae for the temp erature dependence of the relaxation times are derived. The results ar e found to agree qualitatively with experimental observations. (C) 199 7 American Institute of Physics.