We have developed a new algorithm that allows accurate predictions of phase diagram for pluronic® and other non-ionic polymers in water. The algorithm identifies two temperatures T1 , where the system is expected to show an ordered phase and a higher T2 where this phase is liquid and performs a quench to reach thermodynamic equilibrium. As a concrete example, we have investigated the phase diagram of F127 pluronic® and found cubic phases corresponding to the fcc and bcc structure in agreement with existing experimental data. Using these results, we have investigated how these crystalline structures can be effectively used to template nanoparticle structures.

 
   

Materials Chemistry and
Biomolecular Materials Program

Ames Laboratory
Iowa State University
142 Spedding Hall
Ames, IA 50011 USA

Phone: 1.515.294.7568
FAX: 1.515.294.4709