Scratch on Polymer Materials Using AFM Tip-Based Approach: A Review

Abstract

As a brand new nanomachining method, the tip-based nanomachining/nanoscratching (TBN) method has exhibited a powerful ability at machining on polymer materials and various structures have been achieved using this approach, ranging from the nanodot, nanogroove/channel, bundle to 2D/3D (three-dimensional) nanostructures. The TBN method is widely used due to its high precision, ease of use and low environmental requirements. First, the theoretical models of machining on polymer materials with a given tip using the TBN method are presented. Second, advances of nanostructures achieved by this method are given, including nanodots/nanodot arrays, a nanogroove/channel, 2D/3D nanostructures and bundles. In particular, a useful approach called the ultrasonic vibration-assisted method introduced to integrate with TBN method to reduce the wear of the tip is also reviewed, respectively. Third, the typical applications of the TBN method and the nanostructures achieved by it are summarized in detail. Finally, the existing shortcomings and future prospects of the TBN method are given. It is confirmed that this review will be helpful in learning about this method and push the technology toward industrialization.

Atomic and Close-to-Atomic Scale Manufacturing: A Review on Atomic Layer Removal Methods Using Atomic Force Microscopy

“…If pushed further, its abilities can be drawn towards manufacturing at the atomic scale. The applications of AFM in manufacturing include scratching [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13], patterning the structures [14][15][16][17], and biomedical applications [18][19][20].…”

Pulse-Atomic Force Lithography: A Powerful Nanofabrication Technique to Fabricate Constant and Varying-Depth Nanostructures

“…Today, Tip-Based Nanofabrication (TBN) is a fast-growing alternative in the category of top-down nanofabrication, thanks to its flexibility to sculpt, in a single step, either hard material substrate, polymers, or biological materials [ 1 , 2 ]. TBN uses a nanometric tip brought into contact or proximity to the substrate surface to be modified, exploiting a feedback loop apparatus, which controls the relative position between the tip and the surface.…”

“…Operating in contact, nanoindentation is commonly used to investigate the superficial mechanical properties of materials (e.g., stiffness and adhesion) [ 4 , 12 ]; nevertheless, by applying a large indentation force, it is possible to deform the surface permanently, thereby, patterning arrays of nanodots and pits [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. The sizes and shapes of the features depend on the AFM tip geometric profile, the normal force applied, and the rheological characteristics of the material [ 1 , 16 ].…”

Investigation of the Effects of Pulse-Atomic Force Nanolithography Parameters on 2.5D Nanostructures’ Morphology

“…Recently, owing to the high resolution, versatility, and reproducibility, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)-based nanofabrication techniques emerged as one of the most prominent nanofabrication approaches. Since its discovery in 1986 by Binnig et al [1], AFM has been widely adopted: initially for sample surface investigation down to the atomic resolution [2,3], and lately for nanolithography [4,5] and nanofunctionalization [6] purposes. These nanofabrication approaches, generally known as Scanning Probe Lithography (SPL) [4,7], are based on the use of AFM probes to directly fabricate nanostructures on the sample surface through various mechanisms, opening up a wide range of possible applications [8].…”

“…Since its discovery in 1986 by Binnig et al [1], AFM has been widely adopted: initially for sample surface investigation down to the atomic resolution [2,3], and lately for nanolithography [4,5] and nanofunctionalization [6] purposes. These nanofabrication approaches, generally known as Scanning Probe Lithography (SPL) [4,7], are based on the use of AFM probes to directly fabricate nanostructures on the sample surface through various mechanisms, opening up a wide range of possible applications [8]. Compared to more conventional top-down fabrication techniques, such as Nanomaterials 2022, 12, 4421 2 of 16 those based on Electron Beam Lithography (EBL) [9,10], Focused Ion Beam (FIB) [11][12][13][14][15], or Ultra-Violet lithography (UV Lithography) [16], TBN techniques are cheaper, more flexible, environment-friendly and maskless, and target more materials [4].…”