Block Copolymer Nanocomposites under Confinement: Effect on Frustrated Phases

<p>Block copolymer melts are capable of controlling thelocation of nanoparticles due to their ability to self-assemble into orderednanoscopic structures. Thin films offer additional control due to theconfinement and surface selectivity. Systematic mesoscopic simulationsare used to study the phase behavior of block copolymer nanocompositesunder confinement, showing that nanoparticles can modify the phasebehavior and orientation of block copolymers, while segregating towardspecific regions of the block copolymer structure. Furthermore, nanoparticlesare found located in specific features of the block copolymermorphology. Additionally, nanoparticles can alleviate the frustration andinduce phase transitions away from the perforated lamellar morphology.</p>