Strong-segregation theory (SST)l models microphase-separated block copolymer melts in terms of polymeric brushes. This approach has provided intuitive and well-accepted explanations for phase behavior far below the order-disorder transition. According to the model, AB diblock copolymers self-assemble with their junction points along narrow interfaces. The A and B blocks form brushes on opposite sides of the interface. Due to interfacial tension, copolymers pack tightly, producing strongly stretched brushes. For symmetric diblocks, the interfaces remain flat and the brushes stack together to form a lamellar phase, as depicted in Figure 1. For asymmetric diblocks, the interfaces curve due to the unbalanced elastic energies of the A and B brushes, forming, for example, cylinders or spheres with the
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Matsen et al. (1995) studied this question.