Researchers in Russia have developed triblock thermopolymers intended for use in advanced nanomaterials. This achievement comes from the press service of Moscow State University, highlighting progress in materials science that could impact future manufacturing technologies.
Some polymers naturally organize themselves into intricate microstructures when exposed to carefully chosen solvent environments. In practical terms, the individual polymer chains arrange into well-defined shapes, creating tiny parts with precise internal patterns. Such self-assembled structures have potential applications as photolithography masks, guiding the fabrication of extremely small features on semiconductor chips.
At Moscow State University, a team led by Apostolos Avgeropoulos explored anionic polymerization to create ABC and BAC triblock terpolymers. These materials combine polystyrene (A), polybutadiene (B), and polydimethylsiloxane (C). By adjusting the block lengths and the ratios between them, the researchers were able to steer the resulting microstructure. The self-assembly behavior depended on the overall molecular composition, the interactions among the distinct blocks, and the order in which the blocks appear along the chain. These factors collectively determine how the polymer organizes itself at the nanoscale.
The team emphasizes that controlling block sequence and molecular weights enables tunable morphologies. This tunability opens the door to a range of nanofabrication techniques, including photolithography and other processes essential to building next‑generation devices. The demonstrated ability to dictate microstructure through precise design suggests practical pathways for creating patterned surfaces and functional nanoscale components with greater reliability and repeatability.
Further work is expected to refine processing conditions and to explore additional compositions that yield stable, scalable self-assembled structures. If successful, these triblock terpolymers could become a versatile platform for pattern transfer, nanoparticle integration, and the development of novel materials with customized mechanical and optical properties. The ongoing research highlights the role of polymer chemistry in advancing nanotechnologies and demonstrates how thoughtful molecular architecture can translate into tangible manufacturing benefits. .