Theory of Block Polymer Self-Assembly

Book excerpt: This primer introduces the theory of self-assembly of block polymers, most notably self-consistent field theory (SCFT). Block polymer self-assembly is a fascinating and highly interdisciplinary topic. This primer can be read at several levels, depending on what readers want to get out of it. Readers who want an overview of self-assembly in block polymer and what SCFT says about the process can read Chapters 1-3 and skip to Chapter 7 to see the open questions. If the reader is further interested in the output of SCFT calculations but not how those outputs are generated, they should read Chapter 6 as well. But if the reader wants to learn how to do the SCFT calculations themselves, Chapters 4 and 5 offer an accessible introduction to the theory and numerical methods, providing an excellent entry point into the literature. This primer includes data that the authors have computed using SCFT. All calculations use the open-source software package Polymer Self-Consistent Field (PSCF), developed by David Morse at the University of Minnesota. Take breaks from reading to watch ten “Insider Q&A” videos included throughout, which offer additional insight from experts in the field, such as An-Chang Shi, Chinedum O. Osuji, Frank S. Bates, Christopher M. Bates, Glenn H. Fredrickson, and Lisa Hall. Furthermore, this primer includes multiple features to aid and enhance readers’ learning. “That’s a Wrap” summarizes key concepts at the end of each chapter, while “Read These Next” suggests references that may interest further reading. A pop-up glossary ensures readers have definitions as needed throughout the primer.