Dynamics of shear-induced orientation transitions in block copolymers

Abstract

This research investigates the dynamics of mechanical and structural transformations of styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer, known as RCM1, which has cylindrical mesophase morphology. The polymer was processed using a Multipass Rheometer (MPR) with simultaneous X-ray observation. The method allowed investigation of the dynamics with 1 second time resolution. Samples were processed at 160 °C and an apparent wall shear rate in the range ∼1.4 to 1125 s⁻¹. Microstructural alignment was quantified using a second order X-ray orientation function. The polymer showed self-organization in the melt, aligning along the capillary walls. Shear flow disrupted the organization, which then rebuilt during the post-shearing pause, as the residual pressure relaxed across the capillary. The dynamics of structure ordering and disordering was a function of shear rate. The transition was faster for high shear rate cycles.