Abstract
Self-assembly of building blocks from solutions into ordered arrays is a promising approach toward functional materials. However, self-assembly alone forms locally ordered structures. The processing to enhance ordering is necessary for real world applications. This article presents an overview of current research activities in order-enhancing processing. The first part discusses the processing needed for controlling microdomain orientations and macroscale-ordering in block copolymer systems. The second part is concerned with the processing needed for creating two and three dimensional ordered arrays from colloidal suspensions. Understanding of the underlying physical-nature in the order-enhancing processing will provide a scientific platform in the chemical engineering field.
