The fact that block copolymers can assume a range of morphologies depending upon such variables as relative block length and molecular weight is now well known. In the case of poly(styrene)[PS]-poly(butadiene)[PB]-poly(styrene) (SBS) triblock copolymer, the morphologies range from spheres (roughly ~20% minor component), to cylinders (roughly 20%~35% minor component), to lamellae (roughly equal component fractions) Most recently, there has been increasing interest in transformations between morphologies by thermal annealing. This paper describes initial results studying the effect of solvent evaporation rate and post-casting annealing treatment on the morphology of SBS thin films.TEM specimens were prepared by solution casting electron transparent films. 50 μl of 0.1 wt% SBS (30% styrene, Mw=14,000, Scientific Polymer Products, Inc.) dissolved in toluene was deposited on a polished NaCl single crystal substrate placed in a small dish. After solvent evaporation the film was cut into small squares, floated from the salt in water, and each square was collected on a Cu grid.
Effect of solvent evaporation rate on solution casting films from styrenic thermoplastic elastomer/selective solvent system.