At a constant molecular weight (ca.
100,000 g/mol) and a constant composition (styrene
volume fraction w0.70), all the basic morphologies
observed in diblock copolymers can be produced via a
change in chain architecture. Consequently, a variety
of micromechanical mechanisms ranging from crazing
to homogeneous deformation are observed.
Further, a change in processing conditions significantly
alters the morphology and the deformation
behavior. As a result, without altering the overall
composition, mechanical properties are adjusted over
a wide range. It is shown that architectural and
interfacial modification may provide a novel route
toward controlling mechanical properties of these
nanostructured materials.