Understanding the Effect of Block Copolymer Micelles on the Nanostructure and Rheological Response of Inks for Direct Ink Writing

Bioinspired, hierarchical materials are of interest due to their ability to create materials with unique combinations of mechanical properties. We are interested in using a combined top-down and bottom-up approach to create synthetic materials with hierarchical structures. Towards this goal, we are using block copolymers to create nanoscale ordering in inks that can be printed using direct ink writing. However, the inclusion of micelle forming block copolymers has significant impact on the rheology of the inks, and thus their printability. Here, we will discuss the progress made towards understanding the effects of the block copolymer structure and concentration on the rheological properties of block copolymer containing epoxy inks.