Comprehensive phase behavior of poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers

The phase behavior of 44 poly(isoprene-6-styrene-b-ethylene oxide) (ISO) linear triblock copolymer melts was investigated at weak to intermediate segregation strengths and spanning a comprehensive range of compositions. Phases were characterized by a combination of experimental techniques, including small-angle X-ray scattering, dynamic mechanical spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and birefringence measurements. Combined with our previous results, six different stable ordered state symmetries have been identified: lamellae (LAM), Fddd orthorhombic network (O⁷⁰), double gyroid (Q²³⁰), alternating gyroid (Q²¹⁴), hexagonal (HEX), and body-centered cubic (BCC). The phase map of ISO specimens was found to be somewhat asymmetric around the f_I = f_O isopleth. This work provides a guide for theoretical studies and gives insight into the intricate effects of various parameters on the self-assembly of ABC triblock copolymers. Experimental SAXS data evaluated with a simple scattering intensity model show that local mixing varies continuously across the phase map between states of two- and three-domain segregation.