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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
We model a novel process for obtaining controlled morphologies in polymer blends. Particles of one type of polymer are allowed to dissolve in a matrix of a dissimilar polymer. Prior to complete dissolution the blend is quenched into the two phase region, such that phase separation takes place. The combination of the incomplete dissolution and the wavelength selection process associated with phase separation results in particles that during the ‘intermediate’ stages have a core that is significantly rich in the matrix material. The concept is extended to consider the effect of phase separation on an inhomogeneous surface chemically patterned with regions which are more attractive to one component of the blend.