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Injection Molding Micro- and Nanostructures in Thermoplastic Elastomers
John M Stormonth-Darling1, Anwer Saeed1, Paul M Reynolds1
1Division of Biomedical Engineering School of Engineering University of Glasgow Rankine Building, Oakfield Avenue Glasgow G12 8LT UK.
Macromolecular Materials and Engineering
|June 21, 2019
Summary
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) can be injection molded to create nanoscale patterns for cell force studies. This offers a faster, cheaper alternative to poly dimethyl siloxane (PDMS) casting for flexible polymer applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Flexible polymers like poly dimethyl siloxane (PDMS) are used for micro/nanoscale patterning in various applications.
- Replication-based fabrication is cost-effective but alternatives are sought for higher throughput.
- Injection molding is a faster, cheaper alternative if suitable thermoplastic polymers are available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for micro/nanoscale patterning via injection molding.
- To assess TPU's suitability for creating flexible structures for cell force measurement in tissue engineering.
- To identify processing conditions that enhance patterning accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Injection molding of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
- Replication of grating structures with feature sizes down to 100 nm.
- Benchmarking against polycarbonate (PC) optical media.
Main Results:
- Successful replication of nanoscale grating structures using TPU.
- Demonstrated feasibility of injection molding for fabricating flexible polymer micro/nanostructures.
- Identified key processing conditions influencing patterning accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a viable material for high-resolution nanoscale patterning using injection molding.
- Injection molding of TPU provides a cost-effective and rapid fabrication method for flexible structures in tissue engineering.
- This technique enables the development of advanced tools for studying cellular mechanics.
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