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Nanomoulding of Functional Materials, a Versatile Complementary Pattern Replication Method to Nanoimprinting
Published on: January 23, 2013
Reversible recovery of nanoimprinted polymer structures
Tanu Suryadi Kustandi1, Wei Wei Loh, Lu Shen
1Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 3 Research Link, Singapore 117602, Singapore.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|July 12, 2013
Summary
This study demonstrates Nafion, a shape memory polymer, can be programmed with micro- and nanostructures that self-repair when damaged. These self-healing polymer films retain over 90% structural integrity after heat treatment.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Shape memory polymers (SMPs) offer potential for self-healing materials.
- Nafion is a fluoropolymer with unique properties suitable for advanced applications.
- Surface texturing can enhance the functionality of SMPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To program and pattern Nafion films with micro- and nanometer-scale surface textures.
- To investigate the self-healing capabilities of these textured Nafion films after damage.
- To evaluate the structural fidelity and recovery of the patterned surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a nanoimprint process to simultaneously program shape memory and pattern surface textures on Nafion.
- Creating high aspect ratio micropillars as permanent structural features.
- Subjecting the patterned films to mechanical and irradiation damage, followed by heat treatment for recovery.
Main Results:
- Successfully programmed and patterned Nafion with well-defined micro- and nanometer surface textures.
- Demonstrated reversible recovery of damages caused by mechanical and irradiation exposure.
- Achieved over 90% structural fidelity in recovered micro- and nanostructures, comparable to bulk film recovery.
Conclusions:
- Nanoimprinted Nafion films exhibit simultaneous shape memory programming and surface patterning.
- The programmed micro- and nanostructures possess significant self-repair ability.
- This approach offers a promising route for developing resilient and repairable polymer-based micro/nanodevices.
