Complex micropatterning of periodic structures on elastomeric surfaces

Published

July 10, 2008

Author(s)

Arnaud Chiche, Christopher Stafford, J Cabral

Abstract

We report a simple methodology to fabricate complex sub-micron periodic structures in poly(dimethylsiloxane) over large surface areas (several cm2). Single-frequency, uni- and multi-axial sinusoidal surface modulations, with tunable amplitude and wavelength, in the nano to micrometer range, are readily demonstrated. The technique builds upon a buckling instability of a stiff layer supported by an elastomeric membrane (reported earlier), induced by surface oxidation of a pre-stretched elastomer coupon followed by removal of the applied mechanical strain. Plasma oxidation yields model surfaces with single wavelengths, sub-micron periodicity, achieving a dynamic range from sub-200 nm to 10s um, which UV ozonolysis extends to 100s um. We find that a single 'dose' parameter (exposure time x power) characterizes surface conversion. The strain control provides unprecedented tunability of surface pattern amplitude and morphology, ranging from lines to complex periodic topologies induced under multi-axial deformation. We introduce a novel multiple strain/exposure and replication approach that extends surface topologies beyond lines, chevron and spinodal structures. The resulting structures exhibit a glass-like surface, which is easily grafted with self-assembled monolayers to enhance functionality. Applications of this inexpensive and fast methodology include stamps for soft lithography, micromolding, templating and surface patterning.

Citation

Soft Matter

Volume

4

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

buckling, wrinkling, plasma, oxidation, UVO, PDMS, patterning

Citation

Chiche, A. , Stafford, C. and Cabral, J. (2008), Complex micropatterning of periodic structures on elastomeric surfaces, Soft Matter, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=854122 (Accessed October 15, 2025)