Stretched polymer nanohairs by nanodrawing

Abstract

A simple, yet innovative, method is presented for fabricating high-aspect-ratio polymer nanohairs (aspect ratio > 20) on a solid substrate by sequential application of molding and drawing of a thin polymer film. The polymer film was prepared by spin coating on a rigid or flexible substrate, and the temperature was raised above the polymer's glass transition while in conformal contact with a poly(urethane acrylate) mold having nanocavities. Consequently, capillary forces induced deformation of the polymer melt into the void spaces of the mold and the filled nanostructure was further elongated upon removal of the mold due to tailored adhesive force at the mold/polymer interface. The optimum value of the work of adhesion at the mold/polymer interface ranged from 0.9 to 1.1 times that at the substrate/polymer interface.