Disclosed are self-assembled structures formed from self-assembling diblock copolymers of the formula (I): ##STR00001##
wherein R.sup.1-R.sup.4, n, and m are as described herein, which find use in preparing nanoporous membranes. In embodiments of the self-assembled structure, the block copolymer self-assembles into a cylindrical morphology. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such self-assembled structure which involves spin coating a polymer solution containing the diblock copolymer to obtain a thin film, followed by solvent annealing of the film. Further disclosed is a method of preparing porous membranes from the self-assembled structures.

A low friction wear surface with a coefficient of friction in the superlubric regime including graphene and nanoparticles on the wear surface is provided, and methods of producing the low friction wear surface are also provided. A long lifetime wear resistant surface including graphene exposed to hydrogen is provided, including methods of increasing the lifetime of graphene containing wear surfaces by providing hydrogen to the wear surface.

A negative tone pattern is formed by coating a resist composition onto a substrate, prebaking to form a resist film, exposing the resist film to high-energy radiation, PEB the resist film in a high-humidity environment, and developing the resist film in an organic solvent developer. PEB in a high-humidity environment is effective for reducing the shrinkage of the resist film during the step and thus preventing the trench pattern from deformation.

One variation of a method for fabricating a dermal heatsink includes: fabricating a substrate defining an interior surface, an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, and an open network of pores extending between the interior surface and the exterior surface; activating surfaces of the substrate and walls of the open network of pores; applying a coating over the substrate to form a heatsink, the coating comprising a porous, hydrophilic material and defining a void network; removing an excess of the coating from the substrate to clear blockages within the open network of pores by the coating; hydrating the heatsink during a curing period; heating the heatsink during the curing period to increase porosity of the coating applied over surfaces of the substrate; and rinsing the heatsink with an acid to decarbonate the coating along walls of the open network of pores in the substrate.

A method for manufacturing a siliceous film includes: a step of applying a siliceous film composition above a substrate having grooves to form a composition layer; a step of exposing the composition layer to an atmosphere containing a basic compound gas and water vapor; and a step of heating the substrate to cure the composition layer, wherein the basic compound is ammonia, a quaternary ammonium compound or a combination of any of these.