Stunning Image: Nanoscale Polymer
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CREDIT: Argonne National Laboratory
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This stunning photo is of a thin film of polystyrene block copolymer at the nanoscale level. Scientists Seth Darling and Muruganathan Ramanathan at the Argonne National Laboratory took the photo with an optical microscope illuminated on a bright background. The polymer is being studied at the nanoscale level and could eventually lead to the development of innovative, superstrong, yet light and damage-tolerant materials. The structure is formed by hybrid thermal/solvent annealing of the polymer which then crystallizes to produce novel shapes and colors. Scientists say the material could be used in batteries, solar cells and other products.
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