Self-assembly of ABC star triblock copolymers under a cylindrical confinement.

Self-assembly of ABC star triblock copolymers confined in cylindrical nanopores is studied using real-space self-consistent mean-field theory. Specifically, the investigation focuses on the confined self-assembly of a triblock copolymer which forms hierarchical lamellae in the bulk. Generically, the hierarchical lamellae can be parallel or perpendicular to the pore surfaces. Concentric rings of A and B/C lamellae are formed in the parallel case. The B/C layers further form B/C domains. The number of B/C domains is controlled by the pore size. In the perpendicular case, the B/C layers are arranged alternatively along the pore axis. The stability of these observed structures is analyzed.