Abstract:
The present invention is directed to micro- and nano-scale imprinting methods and the use of such methods to fabricate supported and/or free-standing 3-D micro- and/or nano-structures of polymeric, ceramic, and/or metallic materials, particularly for pixel segregation in OLED-based displays. In some embodiments, a duo-mold approach is employed in the fabrication of these structures. In such methods, surface treatments are employed to impart differential surface energies to different molds and/or different parts of the mold(s). Such surface treatments permit the formation of three-dimensional (3-D) structures through imprinting and the transfer of such structures to a substrate. In some or other embodiments, such surface treatments and variation in glass transition temperature of the polymers used can facilitate separation of the 3-D structures from the molds to form free-standing micro- and/or nano-structures individually and/or in a film. In some or other embodiments, a “latch-on” assembly technique is utilized to form supported and/or free-standing stacked micro- and/or nano-structures that enable the assembly of polymers without a glass transition temperature and eliminate the heating required to assemble thermoplastic polymers.
Abstract:
A process for producing a 3-dimensional mold, including irradiating a resist layer of a processing object having the resist layer made of an organopolysiloxane on a substrate with an electron beam, and developing, by thermal desorption treatment, the resist layer after the irradiation with an electron beam to form protrusions and depressions in the resist layer; a process for producing a microfabrication product by using the 3-dimensional mold; a process for producing a micropattern molding by using the 3-dimensional mold or the microfabrication product; and a 3-dimensional mold, a microfabrication product and a micropattern molding which are finely formed by these production processes, as well as an optical device.
Abstract:
A functionalized photocurable perfluoropolyether is used as a material for fabricating a solvent-resistant microfluidic device. Such solvent-resistant microfluidic devices can be used to control the flow of small amounts of a fluid, such as an organic solvent, and to perform microscale chemical reactions that are not amenable to other polymer-based microfluidic devices.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method of forming a structured sintered article including providing a mixture comprising a sinterable particulate material and a binder, the binder comprising, as a function of total resin content of the binder, at least 50% by weight of a thermoplastic binder material and at least 5% by weight of a radiation-curable binder material; shaping the mixture with a mold to form a structure; setting the structure by cooling the structure or by allowing the structure to cool; separating the structure from the mold; irradiating the structure so as to at least partially cure the radiation-curable binder material, and debinding and sintering the structure so as to form a structured sintered article. Shaping may include forming a structure having one or more open channels, and sintering may include sintering in together in contact with at least one additional structure so as to cover or enclose the channels.
Abstract:
A method is provided for creating composites by combining pre-fabricated nanoscale structures (nanostructures) and other materials in which the nanostructures are anchored. This method results in anchored nanostructures with their base held and encased within the anchoring material to a specified depth and with a specified length of protrusion of the nanostructures from the anchoring material. This represents a major advance over previous methods of creating composites containing nanostructures which were limited to fully embedded nanostructures or, at best, very limited and uncontrolled protrusion of nanostructures. In summary, the current method involves bringing nanostructures and anchoring materials into physical contact in a controlled fashion and optionally conducting a treatment step to complete the anchoring process.
Abstract:
A molding apparatus for patterning a workpiece includes a mold having a pattern to be transferred to the workpiece, with the pattern including recesses, a first support member for supporting the mold, and a second support member, arranged opposite to the first support member, for supporting the workpiece. A pressing mechanism brings the first and second support members close to each other and presses the mold and the workpiece together so as to transfer, to the workpiece, the pattern on the mold. Recessed portions are provided on at least one of a surface of the mold on the first support member side, a region of the first support member, and a region of the second support member. The recessed portions correspond to recesses in the pattern of the mold.
Abstract:
Injection molding is used to form microfluidic devices with integrated functional components. One or more functional components are placed in a mold cavity which is then closed. Molten thermoplastic resin is injected into the mold and then cooled, thereby forming a solid substrate including the functional component(s). The solid substrate including the functional component(s) is then bonded to a second substrate which may include microchannels or other features.
Abstract:
The presently disclosed subject matter provides functional perfluoropolyether (PFPE) materials for use in fabricating and utilizing microscale devices, such as a microfluidic device. The functional PFPE materials can be used to adhere layers of PFPE materials to one another or to other substrates to form a microscale device. Further, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for functionalizing the interior surface of a microfluidic channel and/or a microtiter well. Also the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for fabricating a microscale structure through the use of a sacrificial layer of a degradable material.
Abstract:
A fine metal structure having its surface furnished with microprojections of high strength, high precision and large aspect ratio; and a process for producing the fine metal structure free of defects. There is provided a fine metal structure having its surface furnished with microprojections, characterized in that the microprojections have a minimum thickness or minimum diameter ranging from 10 nanometers to 10 micrometers and that the ratio between minimum thickness or minimum diameter (D) of microprojections and height of microprojections (H), H/D, is greater than 1. There is further provided a process for producing a fine metal structure, characterized by comprising providing a substrate having a fine rugged pattern on its surface, applying a molecular electroless plating catalyst to the surface, thereafter carrying out electroless plating to thereby form a metal layer having the rugged pattern filled, and detaching the metal layer from the substrate to thereby obtain a fine metal structure furnished with a surface having undergone reversal transfer of the above rugged pattern.
Abstract:
The invention provides ceramic molded solid articles and methods for making these articles on the micron scale. Articles are molded from ceramic precursors, optionally using molds including at least one portion that is elastomeric.