The crystallization of a model semicrystalline polymer, namely, poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT), was studied as a function of the curvature at the nanometric scale and substrate surface free energy (SFE). Nanostructured substrates with a controlled local curvature were prepared by deposition of a 235 nm SiO2 particle monolayer, and their SFE was modulated by functionalization with octadecyltrichlorosilane, followed by radiofrequency plasma oxidation. The crystallization of ultrathin P3HT thin films, on the curved portions of the substrate, was found to mostly depend on the substrate SFE, while spontaneous wetting occurred in all cases. The effect is analyzed in terms of the interplay of polymer wetting (affecting the interfacial free energy) and lamellar crystallization, implying the modulation of crystallization enthalpy, demonstrating that the balance between SFE minimization and crystallization enthalpy maximization governs the phenomenon. The results highlight the role played by the surface nanostructuring in driving soft matter organization.

Polymer Crystallization on Nanocurved Substrates: Distortion Versus Dewetting

Kozma Erika;
2019

Abstract

The crystallization of a model semicrystalline polymer, namely, poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT), was studied as a function of the curvature at the nanometric scale and substrate surface free energy (SFE). Nanostructured substrates with a controlled local curvature were prepared by deposition of a 235 nm SiO2 particle monolayer, and their SFE was modulated by functionalization with octadecyltrichlorosilane, followed by radiofrequency plasma oxidation. The crystallization of ultrathin P3HT thin films, on the curved portions of the substrate, was found to mostly depend on the substrate SFE, while spontaneous wetting occurred in all cases. The effect is analyzed in terms of the interplay of polymer wetting (affecting the interfacial free energy) and lamellar crystallization, implying the modulation of crystallization enthalpy, demonstrating that the balance between SFE minimization and crystallization enthalpy maximization governs the phenomenon. The results highlight the role played by the surface nanostructuring in driving soft matter organization.
2019
Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta" - SCITEC
polyhexylthiophene
nanocurved substrates
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
2019_JPHysChemC_Polymer crystallization on Nanocurved Substrates.pdf

solo utenti autorizzati

Descrizione: VoR
Tipologia: Versione Editoriale (PDF)
Licenza: NON PUBBLICO - Accesso privato/ristretto
Dimensione 3.96 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
3.96 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia
jp8b12534_si_001.pdf

accesso aperto

Descrizione: supporting information
Tipologia: Altro materiale allegato
Licenza: Altro tipo di licenza
Dimensione 2.1 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
2.1 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14243/464958
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 3
social impact