Quasi-2D polymer objects from patterned, crosslinked polymer brushes

Polymer sheets (see Figure) with nanometer-scale thicknesses, micrometer-scale lateral dimensions, and interesting materials properties that could be exploited in applications such as polymeric nanoactuators, biomimetic systems, and drug delivery vehicles have been fabricated via a new approach. The method employs crosslinked polymer brushes supported on micropatterned surfaces and subsequent electrolytic lifting.