University of Michigan

Agency for Science, Technology and Research

Li Tan

Albert F Yee

Stella W Pang

Lingjie Jay Guo

Yen Peng Kong

Yen-Peng Kong

Lirong Bao

Xudong Huang

A method of applying a pattern on a topography includes first applying a polymer film to an elastomer member, such as PDMS, to form a pad. The pad is then applied to a substrate having a varying topography under pressure. The polymer film is transferred to the substrate due to the plastic deformation of the polymer film under pressure compared to the elastic deformation of the PDMS member. Thus, upon removal of the pad from the substrate, the PDMS member pulls away from the polymer layer, thereby depositing the polymer layer upon the substrate.

Imprinting polymer film on patterned substrate

Methods of creating patterns on substrates are presented, and articles of manufacture resulting therefrom. One method comprises applying a first surface energy modifier to an applicator to form a coating on the applicator; contacting the coating with a receiving member, the receiving member having a topography, the coating only contacting and remaining on at least some protrusions; exposing the first modified receiving member to a second surface energy modifier, thereby forming a second modified receiving member having surface modified recesses; applying a composition comprising a polymeric material to the second modified receiving member, the composition substantially conforming to the topography of the surface modified protrusions and the surface modified recesses; and contacting the composition-coated, surface modified protrusions with a substrate for a time and under conditions sufficient to transfer the polymeric material on protrusions to the substrate. Because the surface energy of the sidewalls is lower than that on the protrusions, polymer dewetting from the sidewalls is promoted, which makes the polymer film discontinuous along the edges of patterns. Therefore, inked polymer patterns from the protrusions of the mold show very smooth edges and smaller dimensions compared to that of the mold.

Methods of creating patterns on substrates and articles of manufacture resulting therefrom

Growing community of inventors

Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Li Tan