Manipulating defects with defects in block copolymer based materials (C02)

• Subject Area: Experimental and Theoretical Physics of Polymers ; Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 465145163

Topological defects are omnipresent in nanostructured materials made of block copolymers, and can have a critical influence on their mechanical or transport properties. In this project, we will use numerical simulations to explore and analyze ways to control the structure and distribution of such defects in block copolymer melts by blending in dopant molecules and/or particles. In addition, we will study the influence of particle defects on the self-assembly of block-copolymer based nanoparticles from solution and their final morphologies.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1552: Defects and Defect Engineering in Soft Matter
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Friederike Schmid