Imitation of human body structures with block copolymer random structure and their applications

Abstract

Nano-patterning technology enables various applications of materials such as plasmonics, catalysts, and energy storage by modifying physical properties or imparting new functions through changes in the structure of materials, and its importance is emerging in the next-generation industry. Among them, in the case of nano-patterning using a block copolymer self-assembled structure, there is an advantage that nano-patterns can be easily formed in a large area at low cost. These block copolymer self-assembled nanostructures basically show a random structure through a stochastic formation process without artificial intervention. Random structures formed through this stochastic process can be found also in many parts in the body, including fingerprints, veins, and the nervous system. In this dissertation, Focusing on the similarity of random structure formation through a probabilistic process between self-assembly of block copolymers and the formation of various structures in the body, several body structures were imitated using randomized block copolymer nanostructures In addition, a device was fabricated to apply various functions expressed from such a unique structure. First, random metal patterns were stacked several times to create a structurally complex pattern such as a vein, but with different shapes for each sample, and used as an authentication label that cannot be physically clonable. In addition, a silver-polymer memristor device that emulates the nervous system structure of the human brain was fabricated using a metal pattern with random structure and a polymer medium. In addition to synaptic properties, brain-inspired computing functions such as reservoir computing were confirmed to show the possibility of application to next-generation neuromorphic devices.