On the mechanism of patterning in rapidly evaporated polymer solutions: Is temperature-gradient-driven Marangoni instability responsible for the large-scale patterning?

Large-scale self-organization occurring on the scale of dozens of micrometers in rapidly evaporated polymer solutions based on amorphous polymers and chlorinated solvents was studied. Heating the substrate from below destroys the patterning. This contradicts the idea that self-organization is due to the jump in surface tension caused by a temperature gradient (temperature-gradient-driven Marangoni instability). We relate the patterning to the concentration-gradient- driven effects.

Large-scale pattern observed under evaporation of the polymer solution.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (222 K)Download as PowerPoint slide