Browsing by Author "Jackson, Elizabeth"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item Nanoporous materials from ABAC tetrablock terpolymers(2013-07) Jackson, ElizabethThis dissertation describes efforts towards the preparation of tough nanoporous membranes from ABAC tetrablock terpolymers. This architecture was strategically chosen to combine an etchable C block, PLA, with a mechanically tough ABA triblock into one ABAC terpolymer. Multiple series of poly(styrene-b-isoprene-bstyrene-lactide) (PS-PI-PS-PLA) tetrablock terpolymers were synthesized. Morphological behavior was characterized for terpolymers containing both a 50:50 and 30:70 PS:PI ratio with between 0 and ~20% PLA by volume. Observed bulk morphologies include hexagonally packed cylinders (HEX), core(PLA)-shell(PS) cylinders (CSC), and a PLA sphere in cylinder morphology. Mechanical properties of PS-PEEP-PS-PLA tetrablocks were also investigated. All materials exhibited mechanical properties characteristic of tough thermoplastic elastomers. Composite membranes were prepared from a thin film of PS-PI-PS-PLA terpolymer and a macroporous polyethersulfone support. Described within are the efforts related to the fabrication and filtration performance of these nanoporous PSPI-PS composite membranes. As part of this process, solvent casting and annealing conditions were varied to investigate effects on tetrablock thin film morphology. Optimum conditions were determined to achieve PS-PI-PS-PLA films with perpendicular PLA cylinder orientation. These conditions included use of a mixed solvent system and the addition of a small amount of homopolymer PLA. Highly ordered films with vertically oriented nanopores were obtained.