Cooperative surface-induced self-assembly of symmetric diblock copolymers confined films with embedded nanorods

The self-assembly of symmetric diblock copolymers confined films with embedded nanorods is investigated by the self-consistent field (SCF) theory. We obtain some phase diagrams as a function of film thickness H and nanorod diameter D. The increase in preferential nanorod diameter D can promote the formation of incomplete cylindrical and spherical structures near the film surfaces, and can also induce complete lamellar, cylindrical and spherical structures in the interior. The formation of these induced self-assembled structures is due to the competition between inner surface confinement (two parallel surfaces) and outer surface confinement (nanorods). This investigation can provide some insights into the self-assembly of diblock copolymers with complex confinements.