Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics, Vol.42, No.17, 3235-3247, 2004
Using neutron reflectivity to determine the dynamic properties of a copolymer in a homopolymer matrix
A protocol for using neutron reflectivity to monitor the dynamic properties of a copolymer in a homopolymer matrix is described. This technique may be used to monitor a broad range of systems, as long as the copolymer and homopolymer form a miscible blend at low copolymer concentrations. Moreover, with knowledge of the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter between the copolymer and homopolymer, the molecular dynamic parameters of the copolymer, such as the tracer diffusion. coefficient, segmental friction factor, and longest relaxation time, can be quantitatively determined. This technique is demonstrated by the determination of these parameters for a series of styrene/methyl methacrylate alternating copolymers dispersed in a matrix of deuterated poly(methyl methacrylate). Interestingly, the segmental friction factor of these alternating copolymers is significantly different from that of similar diblock copolymers. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.