Block copolymers and blend systems
General Information
Block copolymers are macromolecules, consisting of two or more covalently joint homo-polymer blocks and exhibt a phase separation in the range of several nanometers. Different morphologies (spheres, cylinders, lamellae) can be achieved bychanging the molecular architecutre, processing parameters or blending systems. This research area focuses on the influencing parameters on morphology and mechanical behaviour (fracture mechanics, crack kinetics and deformation studies) of the polymeric material.
| Influence of the morphology on the crack kinetics of microphase separated block copolymers (Click to enlarge figure) |
Reseach and Development
- Influence of the molecular architecture of styrene/butadiene block copolymers on their morphology and mechanical behaviour
- Development of blend systems to adjust the mechanical property-profile
- Investigations on the technological impacts on the morphology and the mechanical properties
- Application of fracture mechanics to describe the deformation behaviour of block copolymers and their blends
Selected publications
M. Ganß, B. K. Satapathy, M. Thunga, R. Weidisch, K. Knoll: Molecular-Weight-Controlled Brittle-to-Semiductile-to-Ductile Transition in S-(S/B)-S Triblock Copolymers. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering 2010, 295, 178–188.
M. Ganß, B. K. Satapathy, M. Thunga, U. Staudinger, R. Weidisch, D. Jehnichen, J. Hempel, M. Rettenmayr, A. Garcia-Marcos, H. H. Goertz: Morphology and mechanical response of S–B star block copolymer – Layered silicate nanocomposites. European Polymer Journal, 2009, 45 (9), 2549-2563.
M. Thunga, B. K. Satapathy, R. Weidisch, M. Stamm, J. U. Sommer, K. Knoll: Influence of chain architecture on phase behavior of styrene-(styrene/butadiene)-styrene triblock copolymers and their binary blends. European Polymer Journal, 2009, 45, 537-549.
U. Staudinger, B. K. Satapathy, M. Thunga, R. Lach, R. Weidisch, K. Knoll:
Influence of Phase Miscibility and Morphology on Crack Resistance Behaviour and Kinetics of Crack Propagation of Nanostructured Binary Styrene-(Styrene/Butadiene)-Styrene Triblock Copolymer Blends.
Acta Materialia, 2007, 55, 5844-5858.
M. Thunga, U. Staudinger, B. K. Satapathy, R. Weidisch, M. Abdel-Goad, A. Janke, K. Knoll: Influence of molecular architecture of S-(S/B)-S triblock copolymers on rheological properties. Journal of Polymer Science: Part B: Polymer Physics, 2006, 44, 2776-2788.