Time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau model for nonfrustrated linear ABC triblock terpolymers.

ABSTRACT

A time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) model is proposed to simulate the ordering of linear ABC triblock terpolymers. The model, in its current form, is applicable to nonfrustrated triblock systems, with the specific condition that χAC≫χAB≈χBC. Simulations are presented that demonstrate the model's ability to evolve a wide variety of morphologies throughout time, including tetragonal, core-shell hexagonal, three-phase lamellar, and beads-in-lamellar phases. The model also incorporates an interaction term to study templated substrates for directed self-assembly. The efficiency of the TDGL model enables large-scale simulations that allow investigation of self-assembly, and directed self-assembly, processes that may exhibit very small defect concentrations.