2-DIMENSIONAL MICELLE FORMATION OF POLYSTYRENE-POLY(VINYLPYRIDINE) DIBLOCK COPOLYMERS ON MICA SURFACES

We have used atomic force microscopy to study the adsorption of PolySt yrene-Poly(VinylPyridine) (PS-PVP) block copolymers from a selective s olvent onto atomically smooth mica surfaces. At certain copolymer conc entrations, we observe a highly regular array of spherical surface mic elles covering macroscopic areas of the substrate surface. Evidence is given for a thin homogeneous layer underneath the micelles which is p robably due to adsorption of free copolymer chains and brush formation prior to the formation of the micellar structures. We discuss the qua lity of the self-assembled structures regarding different types of def ects and try to identify means for improving the long range pe riodici ty of the structures.