Abstract.
The phase diagram for diblock copolymer melts is evaluated from lattice-based Monte Carlo simulations using parallel tempering, improving upon earlier simulations that used sequential temperature scans. This new approach locates the order-disorder transition (ODT) far more accurately by the occurrence of a sharp spike in the heat capacity. The present study also performs a more thorough investigation of finite-size effects, which reveals that the gyroid (G) morphology spontaneously forms in place of the perforated-lamellar (PL) phase identified in the earlier study. Nevertheless, there still remains a small region where the PL phase appears to be stable. Interestingly, the lamellar (L) phase next to this region exhibits a small population of transient perforations, which may explain previous scattering experiments suggesting a modulated-lamellar (ML) phase.
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Beardsley, T.M., Matsen, M.W. Monte Carlo phase diagram for diblock copolymer melts. Eur. Phys. J. E 32, 255–264 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2010-10651-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2010-10651-x