Edge Effects on the Order and Freezing of a 2D Array of Block Copolymer Spheres

The order in a single layer of spherical domains of a block copolymer melt is investigated as a function of distance from the edges of the 15 microm wide, 30 nm deep wells that confine it along a substrate. At 255 degrees C the edge induces the formation of a hexatic phase whose orientational and translational order decreases slowly away from the edge until in the center of the well the block copolymer spheres have liquidlike order.