ABSTRACT
I. INTRODUCTION Block copolymers are macromolecules composed of linear arrangements of blocks; a block is composed of units that are chemically different, with respect to either chemical constitution or stereochemistry, from adjacent portions of the macromolecule [1-3]. Block copolymers can be considered as a combination of two of more macromolecules joined end-to-end. Block copolymers often exhibit unique and useful properties in solution and in the solid state as a consequence of the general thermodynamic incompatibility of the blocks which results in microphase separation into domains [4-9]. The properties of thermoplastic elastomers, which are generally block copolymers, are a direct consequence of the composition-dependent morphology of these polymers.
