Abstract:
The substrate is shown to induce substantial ordering in diblock copolymer thin films above the bulk order-disorder transition (ODT) where, thermodynamically, a phase mixed state is favored. Initially, uniform films reorganize to form a hierarchy of transient surface patterns and stable film thicknesses that depend on the initial film thickness and on the substrate. Self-consistent field calculations of the free energy of the system for different situations, depending on the relative tendency for the different block components to be attracted to the substrate and/or free surface, provide an explanation of the formation of the stable film thicknesses. A continuum picture proposed earlier by Brochard et al.rovides an explanation of the wetting characteristics of this system. In some cases the ordering destabilizes the film so that dewetting occurs (wetting autophobicity), whereas in other cases the surface ordering results in a kinetic stabilization of a film that would otherwise dewet.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received 3 August 2001 and Received in final form 1 November 2001
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Limary, R., Green, P. & Shull, K. Influence of surface ordering on the wetting of structured liquids. Eur. Phys. J. E 8, 103–110 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2001-10060-4
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2001-10060-4