Cationic Gas-Permeable Mold Fabrication Using Sol-Gel Polymerization for Nano-Injection Molding

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Conventional nano-injection molding faces challenges with gas entrapment, leading to defects.
• Existing gas-impermeable molds limit mass production efficiency and material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate cationic gas-permeable molds for nano-injection molding.
• To assess the performance and properties of nano-structures fabricated using these novel molds.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of cationic gas-permeable molds via sol-gel polymerization.
• Application of molds in cationic polymerization using epoxide for nano-structure replication.
• Mechanical and surface property evaluations of fabricated nano-structures.

Main Results:

• Successfully produced nano-protrusion structures (approx. 300 nm height, 400 nm pitch).
• Eliminated molding defects associated with gas entrapment, enabling 3000 continuous shots without vacuum.
• Achieved enhanced thermal stability, improved Martens hardness, and a 46° increase in water contact angle.

Conclusions:

• Cationic gas-permeable molds offer a viable solution for defect-free nano-injection molding.
• The fabricated nano-structures exhibit improved mechanical properties and hydrophobicity.
• This technology holds potential for advanced resin nano-structure production and hydrophobic material development.