Roll-to-roll printed gratings in cellulose acetate web using novel nanoimprinting device

• Published in: Microelectronic engineering 2011-08, Vol.88 (8), p.2045-2047
• Main Authors: Mäkelä, Tapio, Haatainen, Tomi, Ahopelto, Jouni
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cellulose acetate; Constant-composition solid-solid phase transformations: polymorphic, massive, and order-disorder; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Devices; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; High speed; Materials science; Measuring instruments; Methods of nanofabrication; Microelectronic fabrication (materials and surfaces technology); Nanocomposites; Nanoimprinting; Nanomaterials; Nanoscale pattern formation; Nanostructure; Phase diagrams and microstructures developed by solidification and solid-solid phase transformations; Physics; Printing; Roll embossing; Roll-to-roll manufacturing; Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices; Surface treatments
• ISSN: 0167-9317; 1873-5568
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mee.2011.02.016

A high volume printing process for polymer gratings at submicron scale was developed for cellulose acetate (CA) film. A flexible Ni-stamp, consisting printing pattern, was used as a master for patterning process. High speed roll-to-roll manufacturing method was tested using custom made roll-to-roll device. Device enables a high throughput and a low cost production method for micron and submicron structures. This small scale device is suitable for continuous imprinting using 50mm wide plastic web. Roll-to-roll device consist an unwinder, an imprinting unit and a rewinder. We demonstrated continuous imprinting process using the 95 micron thick CA film as a substrate. Printing speeds from 0.2m/min up to 20m/min was used to demonstrate high volume process. Lifetime of the stamp was long and no structural change was observed after a several meters of imprints. The best replication is achieved at the speed of 0.2m/min using pressure of 8MPa and temperature of 105°C. Height and quality of the printed gratings was characterized by AFM.