Modeling of Polymer Directed Assembly

NSF Grant Number: EEC-0425826

PI(s): David Kazmer
Student Researcher: Yingrui Shang
Institution: University of Massachusetts Lowell

Objective: The objective of this project is to investigate the morphology development in a template guided assembly through numerical simulation. The morphology in the surface domain, the bulk domain, and the dynamics of the morphology evolution is studied.

Broader Impact: Given the relationship of the process parameters to the part quality, the developed simulation will consecutively direct the optimization of the experimental condition and production processes in template directed assembly of polmer blends. Accordingly, research results are expected to facilitate the development of electronic, medical, and other advanced applications requiring self-assembled nano-features.

Significant Results:In 2008, the development of 3D simulation was complete for a binary system. The morphology evolution in depth direction was studied using this 3D model. It was recognized that there is a critical time for self-assembly to occur, after which the rate of phase separation slows in the vicinity of the functionalized template.

Figure: 3D polymer self-assembly (top) and rate of evolution (bottom)