Self-assembly of Janus rods in binary blends of polymers. Part I: phase behavior under equilibrium

Janus rods due to their shape anisotropy and amphiphilic nature result in superior properties when incorporated into multi-phase polymer systems. Self-assembly of these particles at the interface of binary polymer blends can provide a means for fabrication of advanced functional materials. In this presentation we will discuss the interplay between the entropic and enthalpic factors that determine the self-assembled structure of Janus rods at the interface of two immiscible liquids. We have performed molecular simulations to investigate the role of individual parameters. Janus rods orientation is controlled by the entropic factors such as aspect ratio and concentration as well as the interfacial energy which also has consequences on the dynamics. Their interfacial assembly is also shown to be highly influential in altering the phase separation process in binary polymer blends. Janus rods exhibiting hexagonally-packed, liquid crystalline-like structures favor faster phase separation kinetics, while Janus rods of higher aspect ratio that are tilted at the interface aggregate side-by-side; are able to hinder phase separation kinetics.