In situ studies of phase separation and crystallization directed by Marangoni instabilities during spin-coating.

Toolan, Daniel T W; Pullan, Nikki; Harvey, Michael J; Topham, Paul D; Howse, Jonathan R · Adv Mater · 2013

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Results of a pioneering study are presented in which for the first time, crystallization, phase separation and Marangoni instabilities occurring during the spin-coating of polymer blends are directly visualized, in real-space and real-time. The results provide exciting new insights into the process of self-assembly, taking place during spin-coating, paving the way for the rational design of processing conditions, to allow desired morphologies to be obtained.