Nanopattern insert molding

Abstract

A new method was investigated to produce nanopatterns on polymeric surfaces with high resolution, good productivity, and low cost. It has certain advantages when compared with such conventional techniques as nanoimprint lithography (NIL), hot embossing, and injection molding. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was utilized for preparation of the stamp with nanopatterns on its surface. The nanoimprinted PVA film was inserted into the cavity and the polymer melt was injected into the mold. Nanopatterns with pillars smaller than 100 nm were produced on the polymeric surface. The water soluble PVA film was used as the inserted template to overcome the difficulties of releasing the nanopatterned film from the substrate.

Aesthetically textured, hard latex coatings by fast IR-assisted evaporative lithography

“…For instance, the correct length scales of surface structure can impart hydrophobicity [1], alter the adhesion [2], reduce the reflectivity of electromagnetic radiation [3], affect friction and wear [4], and reduce the aerodynamic drag on aircraft and hence decrease fuel consumption [5]. There is a variety of techniques with which a patterned polymeric surface can be prepared, including nanopatterning and micropatterning using a mold [6], solution-casting of polymer films [7], photolithography, and inkjet printing. Inspired by previous reports of the evaporative lithography of dilute, hard nanoparticles [8], we recently developed a new technique called infrared radiation-assisted evaporative lithography (IRAEL) [9,10].…”

Injection molding micro patterns with high aspect ratio using a polymeric flexible stamper

“…Liou and Suh [12] proposed an insulated mold insert that was coated with Teflon for retaining the heat in the mold cavity. Kim et al [13] introduced nano-pattern insert molding (NPIM) in which the nano-pattern is molded using the poly(vinly alcohol) (PVA) template film with nano-patterns on its surface. The temperature near the mold surface would be maintained above no-flow temperature for a relatively long duration by the polymeric stamper or coating material that acted as a thermal barrier, inevitably delaying the solidification of the polymer near the mold surface.…”

Replication of surface micro‐features using variothermal injection molding: Application to micro‐fluidics

“…Since the formation of a viscous or solidified layer hinders replication, it is widely recognized that replication is improved by raising melt injection temperature or cavity (insert) surface temperature . Raising these temperatures while keeping other parameters fixed will, however, reduce filling pressure.…”