Lohkopolymeeriä

Lohkopolymeeriä, known in English as block copolymer, is a polymer composed of two or more chemically distinct polymer chains, or blocks, linked together. These blocks are typically polymerized from different monomers, resulting in segments of homopolymer connected end-to-end. The unique characteristic of block copolymers lies in their ability to self-assemble into ordered nanostructures, driven by the immiscibility of their constituent blocks.

The morphology of these self-assembled structures depends on the relative volume fractions of the blocks. Common morphologies include spheres, cylinders, gyroids, and lamellae, arranged in a periodic manner. This self-assembly behavior makes block copolymers valuable for a range of applications. For instance, they can be used as compatibilizers in polymer blends, improving the miscibility and mechanical properties of otherwise incompatible polymers.

Block copolymers also find use in nanotechnology, for creating patterns on surfaces, as templates for nanomaterial synthesis, and in drug delivery systems. The ability to control the size, shape, and spacing of the self-assembled domains by tuning the block lengths and chemical nature of the blocks allows for precise engineering of material properties. Research continues to explore new block copolymer architectures and their applications in fields such as advanced materials, electronics, and biomedicine.