Topological peculiarities in liquid phase of styrene butadiene rubber thin films induced by electrostatic nanolithography

Nanostructures of 50-200 nm in width were formed in styrene butadiene rubber using atomic force microscopy electrostatic nanolithography combined with vertical manipulation of the tip. The formation of circular nanostructures is attributed to factors such as the strength of the electric field (10(9)-10(10) V m(-1)), a contribution to the radial component of the pressure gradient, and a film thickness of less than 10 nm. Stability of the features (48 h) suggests cross-linking between macromolecules at the nanoscale.