Step evolution in two-dimensional diblock copolymer films

Authors Quentin Parsons, David Kay, Andreas Münch

Publication date 4 December 2017

Linear boundary value problems for ordinary differential equations (34B05) Pattern formations in context of PDEs (35B36) Asymptotic behavior of solutions to PDEs (35B40) Optimality conditions for problems involving partial differential equations (49K20) Finite element, Rayleigh-Ritz and Galerkin methods for initial value and initial-boundary value problems involving PDEs (65M60) Thin films (74K35) Micromechanics of solids (74M25) Finite element methods applied to problems in fluid mechanics (76M10) Asymptotic methods, singular perturbations applied to problems in fluid mechanics (76M45) Three or more component flows (76T30)

Abstract: The formation and dynamics of free-surface structures, such as steps or terraces and their interplay with the phase separation in the bulk are key features of diblock copolymer films. We present a phase-field model with an obstacle potential which follows naturally from derivations of the Ohta-Kawasaki energy functional via self-consistent field theory. The free surface of the film is incorporated into the phase-field model by including a third phase for the void. The resulting model and its sharp interface limit are shown to capture the energetics of films with steps in two dimensions. For this model, we then develop a numerical approach that is capable of resolving the long-time complex free-surface structures that arise in diblock copolymer films.

This page was built for publication: Step evolution in two-dimensional diblock copolymer films

Report a bug (only for logged in users!)Click here to report a bug for this page (MaRDI item Q6294819)