Low-cost replication of self-organized sub-micron structures into polymer films

作者：Stenberg H; Stenberg P; Takkunen L; Kuittinen M; Suvanto M; Pakkanen T T^*

来源：Express Polymer Letters, 2015, 9(2): 95-104.

DOI：10.3144/expresspolymlett.2015.11

• coatings
• self-organization
• hot-embossing
• polystyrene
• silicon

In this paper, the results of exploiting self-organized sub-micron polystyrene (PS) wrinkle patterns possessing random orientation, in preparation of a nickel stamp for hot embossing purposes, are presented. Self-organized patterns were prepared employing a method in which a stiff cross-linked capping layer on the topmost part of the soft polystyrene layer was created by using reactive ion etching (RIE) device with mild conditions and argon as a process gas, and the wrinkle formation was initiated thermally. Different surface patternings were obtained using silicon and stainless steel (SST) wafers as substrates. Prepared Ni-stamps were employed in hot embossing of polycarbonate (PC) and cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) films, using a nano-imprinting process. The replication quality of the self-organized wrinkle structures in PC and COP films was monitored by comparing the shape and dimensions of the original and final surface structures. The hot embossed sub-micron scale features, originally formed on stainless steel substrate, were found to have influence on the optical properties of the PC and COP films by lowering their reflectances.

• 出版日期2015-2