Depletion phenomenon in diblock copolymer films: a dissipative particle dynamics simulation

Abstract

A tentative simulation study has been carried out on the depletion phenomenon in diblock copolymer films through dissipative particle dynamics technology. Results indicate that a depletion layer appears in nearly all the systems with strong interaction between different components, accompanied with weak interaction between the component and the boundary. The system temperature plays a dominant role in the thickness of the depletion layer, on which the component fraction also has an effect to a certain extent. The findings can give support to relevant application processes.

Keywords:

• depletion phenomenon
• diblock copolymer films
• dissipative particle dynamics

Acknowledgements

This work is supported by the Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project (No. S30109), the R&D Special Fund of Excellent Young Teachers of Universities in Shanghai, the Developmental Fund of Scientific Technology of Shanghai University and the Innovation Fund of Shanghai University.