CAREER: Directed Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers by High Magnetic Fields

Chinedum Osuji, Yale University, DMR 0847534

Magnetic fields permit very effective alignment of self-assembled structures in relevant block copolymers (BCPs). A proper understanding of the alignment process and the effect of magnetic fields on BCP physics requires the ability to observe systems in situ. We have successfully developed this capability by coupling a custom designed superconducting magnet with a customized x-ray scattering instrument. This high field SAXS/WAXS tool permits studies that previously were only possible at a small number of synchrotron facilities worldwide. We reported the first data from in situ measurements including, notably, the absence of significant field effects on the order-disorder transition in LC BCPs.

Top: Combined magnetic field/x-ray scattering instrument.Bottom: Small angle x-ray scattering data generated with this instrument for a liquid crystalline block copolymer subjected to a magnetic field at varying temperatures.

CAREER: Directed Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers by High Magnetic Fields

Chinedum Osuji, Yale University, DMR 0847534

2012 New Haven Science Fair at Woolsey Hall. Over 8000 students from 43 schools participated over the course of 2 days.

Broader Impacts • The PI and lab personnel are actively involved in the New Haven Science Fair as program mentors &/or project judges.

•The PI hosts science teachers in his lab over the summer as part of his Research Experience for Science Teachers (REScT) endeavor. This effort is coordinated with the Yale MRSEC and the Yale Office of New Haven Affairs. As part of this program, one science teacher (member of Teach for America Corps; Hartford Public School District) spent 2 months synthesizing and characterizing gold nanorods for alignment within block copolymer and surfactant mesophases.

• Mentorship of 1 undergraduate researcher in the Yale STARS II program. A proposal was jointly developed and support secured for summer and semester support for the student. The student worked on identifying the role of anisotropic nanomaterial inclusions on the stability of soft mesophases.

•The PI gave a guest lecture in the Yale Perspectives on Science and Engineering seminar series on the topic of directed self-assembly.