Abstract 9729443 J. Kornfield, California Institute of Technology The micro-rheology and flow-induced microstructure of AB diblock and ABC-type copolymers will be investigated using a rheo-optic method developed by the principal investigator, as well as X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The emphasis of this study is on the relationship between the flow alignment characteristics of block copolymers in simple shear and their properties. A second objective is identification of new microstructural phenomena by changing the group of tested copolymers and including newly synthesized diblock and triblock copolymers for testing. Synthesis of the copolymers will be performed in collaboration with The Procter & Gamble Company. Discovery of the range of flow behavior of block copolymers and establishment of predictive capabilities to guide design of materials for processability and function will provide the scientific basis for rational design of molecular architecture that optimize the materials properties of nanostructured polymers. ***
