Self-assembly and morphology in block copolymer systems with specific interactions

Self-assembly and morphology of block copolymers depend on their architecture and composition. In addition to conventional blending through noninteracting components, block copolymer systems with specific interactions have received attention now. Noncovalent interactions such as ionic bonding interaction, hydrogen bonding interaction, and metal complexation were exploited to increase compatibility between blend components and modulate morphology in bulk, as well as in solution. This chapter discusses the self-assembly and morphology of block copolymer blends interacting via electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding interaction and metal-ligand coordination bonds. Blending block copolymers through exploiting secondary interactions between dissimilar blending components provided flexibility in tuning morphology of self-assembled structures. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the effect of secondary interactions such as hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction, and metal-ligand coordination bonds on the morphology evolution of block copolymer blends.