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

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.

Keywords: microstructures; polymeric materials; self-assembly; spin-coating; thin films.