A Centrifugal-Force-Driven Nano-Replication Strategy

The replication of nano-patterns is a significant means of nanomanufacturing. However, there is still a dearth of nano-replication methods that meet the requirements of both high precision and low cost. Therefore, a new strategy to achieve the replication of nano-patterns, namely centrifugal-force-driven nano-replication (CFDNR), is proposed here. An easily obtained centrifugal force which is perpendicular to the plane of a nanostructured template is designed as a driving power, to compel the dynamic polymer to fully fill the space of the template; then, the nano-pattern can be replicated on a polymer film. Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates with nanohole periods of similar to 450 nm and similar to 100 nm were employed as the original masters to investigate the nano-replication behaviors. The results of morphology measurements demonstrate excellent precision. The size deviations between the nanohole in the template and the nanopillar on the polymer film are less than 4%. Furthermore, a vacuum-assisted CFDNR scheme is proposed to prevent the formation of cavitation on the polymer replica. This work provides new possibilities and choices for facile, inexpensive and high-precision nanomanufacturing.

Automated summary

This study proposes a new strategy for the replication of nano-patterns, called centrifugal-force-driven nano-replication (CFDNR). It utilizes easily obtainable centrifugal force to fill the nanostructured template and replicate the nano-pattern on a polymer film. The results show excellent precision and the potential for facile, inexpensive, and high-precision nanomanufacturing.