Nanoscale Shape-Memory Function in Highly Cross-Linked Polymers

Topographic engraving of structures in polymer surfaces attracts widespread interest for application in imprint lithography and data storage. We study the nonlinear interaction of nanoindents written in close proximity, 20-100 nm, to one another in a highly cross-linked polystyrene matrix. The indents are created thermomechanically by applying heat and force stimuli of 10 mu s duration to a tip, thereby raising the polymer temperature to 250 degrees C and exerting contact pressures of up to 1 GPa. We show that on the nanoscale plastic deformation is highly reversible providing outstanding shape-memory functionality of the material.