We study a blend of two kinds of homopolymers with tendency for seg-ragation. Cross-links between the chains of different kinds do not allow macrophase separation. Instead microphase structure appears. Starting from a microscopic model we derive the effective Hamiltonian and calculate the form of the inverse scattering function and the domain size. The latter is found to be of the order of the ...

A coarse-graining strategy for dilute and semi-dilute solutions of interacting polymers, and of colloid–polymer mixtures, is briefly described. Monomer degrees of freedom are traced out to derive an effective, state-dependent pair potential between the polymer centres of mass. The cross-over between good and poor solvent conditions is discussed within a scaling analysis. The method is extended ...

We present results of simulations that predict the phases formed by the self-assembly of model nanospheres functionalized with a single polymer "tether," including double gyroid, perforated lamella, and crystalline bilayer phases. We show that microphase separation of the immiscible tethers and nanospheres causes confinement of the nanoparticles, which promotes local icosahedral packing that in...

Block copolymers are versatile designer macromolecules where a “bottom-up” approach can be used to create tailored materials with unique properties. These simple building blocks allow us to create actuators that convert energy from a variety of sources (such as chemical, electrical and heat) into mechanical energy. In this review we will discuss the advantages and potential pitfalls of using bl...

We present results of molecular simulations that predict the phases formed by self-assembly of nanorods functionalized by a polymer "tether." Microphase separation of the immiscible tethers and rods coupled with the liquid crystal ordering of the rods induces the formation of a cubic phase, a smectic C phase, a tetragonally perforated lamellar phase, and a honeycomb phase; the latter two have b...