The Physics of Block Copolymers

Abstract This comprehensive and systematic text is the first of its kind to deal with the fundamental physics underlying the remarkable structural and dynamical properties of block copolymers. It provides the polymer scientist and technologist with a firm grounding in the principles underlying the wide applications of these important materials. It also highlights the intrinsically fascinating properties of block copolymers, such as nanoscale self-assembly in bulk and two-dimensions. The first text of its kind on the subject since the mid-1980s, this book stands alone - previous texts have focused on the chemical and material properties of block copolymers. During the last decade, there have been major developments in the field, and these experimental and theoretical advances are discussed in depth. Topics covered include: the thermodynamics and dynamics of block copolymer melts, block copolymers in dilute, semidilute and concentrated solutions, the structure of crystalline block copolymers and block copolymers in blends with other polymers. This informative book is essential to the polymer physics and materials science researcher in industry and academia, and postgraduates in related fields. Final year undergraduate students in chemistry, physics and materials science will also find this book useful as a reference text.