Micro-nanostructured polymer surfaces using injection molding: A review

Abstract

Micro injection molding is in great demand due to its efficiency and applicability for industry. Polymer surfaces having micro-nanostructures can be produced using injection molding. However, it is not as straightforward as scaling-up of conventional injection molding. The paper is organized based on three main technical areas: mold inserts, processing parameters, and demolding. An accurate set of processing parameters is required to achieve precise micro injection molding. This review provides a comparative description of the influence of processing parameters on the quality of final parts and the precision of final product dimensions in both thermoplastic polymers and rubber materials. It also highlights the key parameters to attain a high quality micro-nanostructured polymer and addresses the contradictory effects of these parameters on the final result. Moreover, since the produced part should be properly demolded to possess a high quality textured polymer, various demolding techniques are assessed in this review as well.

Polymer based microneedle patch fabricated using microinjection moulding

“…When the voltage was increased, the electric field in the volume between two electrodes become larger than the strength of the dielectric, resulting in the breakdown of the dielectric allowing current to flow between electrodes. Consequently, the workpiece was then eroded and formed a replica of the tool electrode on the workpiece by a thermal process under a controlled electric spark [8]. During the fabrication, the open gap voltage between the electrodes was maintained at 100 V until the dielectric broke down.…”

Functionalization of Plastic Parts by Replication of Variable Pitch Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures

“…Hot embossing and injection molding are the most efficient technologies to achieve replication of submicron-structured plastic parts [32]. However, when it is required to apply textures on 3D geometries, only micro injection molding (µIM) can be considered [33]. The replication of submicron-structured surfaces is challenging since the injected molten polymer tends to solidify quickly touching the cold mold, hindering filling of the micro-cavities [34].…”

Injection of a microtextured polymer part surface: Influence of experimental parameters on the replication rate

“…Micro and nanocavity surface textures can be produced by multiple techniques, such as LIGA (LIthographie, Galvanoformung, Abformungsont) UV, LIGA RX, [4] LIGA electron beam, [5,6] and laser treatment. [7] Maghsoudi et al [8] and Giboz et al [1] present a more detailed bibliographical review of these different techniques. LIGA RX is certainly the most common technique for micron-sized textured patterns requiring high precision and a high aspect ratio (height of the pattern, H t , divided by the width of the pattern, W t , see Figure 1).…”