Simple Nanostructured 3D Printed Objects: An Inside-Out View of Block Copolymer Self-Assembly by Fuse Deposition Modeling

Polymer 3D printing methods are now widely spread in educational strategies, whether for teachers to produce 3D objects, facilitating knowledge transfer, or directly for students to master a unique polymer processing method. Regarding block copolymer (BCP) microphase separation and self-assembly, which occurs in volume and at the nanoscale, they are both challenging to teach in the classroom without adapted materials. The present paper describes a graduate student laboratory project with two objectives: first, to train students on 3D printing and BCP microphase separation; second, to produce a macroscale 3D representation of the inner BCP microphase separation, such as an inside-out demonstration of the nanostructure, which can be used as a comprehensive object. Interestingly, the project covers a large range of polymer processing and characterization methods, raising fundamental discussions between students and educators. In addition, in this paper we demonstrate the feasibility to easily produce two-phase nanostructured 3D printed objects by fuse deposition modeling from BCP filament using exclusively commercially available means.