Fabrication of High Aspect Ratio Micro-Structures with Superhydrophobic and Oleophobic Properties by Using Large-Area Roll-to-Plate Nanoimprint Lithography

Abstract

Bio-inspired surfaces with superamphiphobic properties are well known as effective candidates for antifouling technology. However, the limitation of large-area mastering, patterning and pattern collapsing upon physical contact are the bottleneck for practical utilization in marine and medical applications. In this study, a roll-to-plate nanoimprint lithography (R2P NIL) process using Morphotonics’ automated Portis NIL600 tool was used to replicate high aspect ratio (5.0) micro-structures via reusable intermediate flexible stamps that were fabricated from silicon master molds. Two types of Morphotonics’ in-house UV-curable resins were used to replicate a micro-pillar (PIL) and circular rings with eight stripe supporters (C-RESS) micro-structure onto polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foil substrates. The pattern quality and surface wettability was compared to a conventional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) soft lithography process. It was found that the heights of the R2P NIL replicated PIL and C-RESS patterns deviated less than 6% and 5% from the pattern design, respectively. Moreover, the surface wettability of the imprinted PIL and C-RESS patterns was found to be superhydro- and oleophobic and hydro- and oleophobic, respectively, with good robustness for the C-RESS micro-structure. Therefore, the R2P NIL process is expected to be a promising method to fabricate robust C-RESS micro-structures for large-scale anti-biofouling application.

Enhancement of Antiviral Effect of Plastic Film against SARS-CoV-2: Combining Nanomaterials and Nanopatterns with Scalability for Mass Manufacturing

“… 53 , 54 Such processes have been demonstrated in industry for fabricating functional nanopatterns such as antireflection, superhydrophobic, and nanophotonic surfaces. 55 − 57 There are likely to be additional challenges with coatings. The UASC process could be integrated into a production line by using multiple ultrasonic spraying nozzles.…”

Editorial for Special Issue: Nanoimprint Lithography Technology and Applications

“…One of the exciting things about nanoimprinting is the big versatility of the process and the broad range of applications it can be used for. This special issue includes 10 articles [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ] which represent a small glimpse of the challenges and possibilities of this technology.…”

“…Six contributions deal with nanoimprint processes aiming at specific applications [ 2 , 4 , 6 , 8 , 9 , 10 ], while the other four papers focus on more general aspects of nanoimprint processes [ 3 , 5 , 7 ] or present novel materials [ 1 , 3 ]. Several different types of nanoimprint processes are used: plate-to-plate [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 10 ], roll-to-plate [ 4 , 6 ], and roll-to-roll [ 8 ]. Plate-to-plate NIL here also includes the use of soft and flexible stamps.…”

“…The contribution of Atthi et al [ 4 ] presents the fabrication procedure and properties of superhydrophobic and oleophobic surfaces based on high aspect ratio structures fabricated by roll-to-plate nanoimprinting.…”

“…In summary the application fields in this special issue can be identified as plasmonics [ 2 ], superhydrophibicity [ 4 ], biomimetics [ 4 , 9 , 10 ], optics/datacom [ 6 ], and life sciences [ 8 ]. The nanoimprint process related papers discuss filling and wetting aspects during nanoimprinting [ 3 , 5 , 7 ] as well as materials for stamps [ 3 ] and imprinting [ 1 ].…”