Investigating interfacial contributions on the layer-thickness-dependent mechanical response of confined self-assembly via forced assembly

Understanding block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly under confinement via conventional melt extrusion is advantageous as technology moves towards thin film applications. Previous research has revealed that confining elastomeric BCPs in thin films with polystyrene (PS) via microlayering results in an increase in ductility with decreasing layer thickness and that the interfacial region dramatically influences the elastic modulus. This contribution investigated the role of interfacial width and layer thickness on deformation mechanics by comparing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and PS as wetting layers in confined multilayers. The interfacial region was found to be crucial to tailoring the mechanical response of composite materials. Block copolymers under thin-film confinement exhibit uncharacteristic material properties as a function of substrate interaction and film thickness. A novel approach to large-scale confinement is utilized to investigate the effect of layer thickness and confining layer via multilayer co-extrusion.