Unstable Inverted Phases of Di- and Tri-block Copolymers on Solution-Casting Films

A dynamic density functional theory is presented for the observation of the phase revolutions of a solution-casting film of di- and tri-block copolymers under solvent evaporation conditions. With the evaporation of the solvent, the inverted phases, the minor part of the component becomes the continuous phase at the higher solvent evaporation rate, as observed in this experiment. Further simulation revealed that these inverted phases are converted into the normal phase and the major part of the component becomes the continuous phase, implying that the inverted phases observed in this experiment are unstable.