Crystallization of F68 micelles

Three block copolymers offer a model system for the study of crystallization as they aggregate in aqueous solutions and for high concentrations into micelles, which crystallize as a critical volume fraction is reached. Neutron reflectivity and grazing incident small angle neutron scattering (GISANS) or near surface small angle neutron scattering (NS-SANS) are excellent tools to obtain information on crystalline structures as anisotropy is introduced in equilibrium. We have studied the temperature dependence of the structure formed by Pluronic F68 micelles dissolved in deuterated water close to an attractive wall. We find that well spaced crystallites develop in the two phase region.