Segmental order and dynamics of polymer chains confined in block copolymer lamellar mesophases: NMR and dielectric relaxation studies

Eur Phys J E Soft Matter. 2003 Nov:12 Suppl 1:S121-5. doi: 10.1140/epjed/e2003-01-028-x. Epub 2003 Nov 5.

Abstract

The PDMS lamellar sublayers of a poly(styrene)-poly(dimethylsiloxane) diblock (PS-PDMS) and PS-PDMS-PS triblocks are investigated by NMR and dielectric spectroscopy. Some segments of the confined PDMS chains display anisotropic orientational fluctuations along the interfaces with the PS glassy blocks, whereas the others display fluctuations rather parallel to the lamellae normal. This coexistence results from a competitive ordering effect induced by the glassy interfaces and the chain-end anchoring junctions. The distribution of PDMS relaxation times within the sublayers is also examined: in particular, a slowing down of the segmental motions, together with a broadening of this distribution, are detected.