Fabrication of Hierarchical 3D PDMS Molds by Replica Molding from Diatom Frustules

  • Mengjiao Wang
  • , Cai Jun*
  • , Zhenhu Wang
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This study presents a method to fabricate polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds with hierarchical 3D structures by using the centric diatom, Coscinodiscus sp., as templates. The diatom frustules were immobilized on Si wafer, followed by casting the diluted PDMS on the substrate. After curing, the PDMS was peeled off from the Si wafer with the diatom frustules. Then it was etched in a hydrofluoric acid solution to dissolve the diatom frustules, so as to achieve the target replica mold. The parameters of replica molding process were optimized, such as the ratio of elastomer and cross-linker ratio, loading of diluents, and the time for vacuum-pumping. A PDMS negative replica opposite to the diatom frustules with micro/nano hierarchical structures were successfully obtained and the minimum structural size was 40 nm. The detailed structure of the diatom frustules was further revealed through charactering the morphology of the replica. Meanwhile, the as-prepared replica may be used as molds for soft lithography of hierarchical structures.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNEMS 2018 - 13th Annual IEEE International Conference on Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages436-439
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781538652732
DOIs
StatePublished - 3 Dec 2018
Event13th Annual IEEE International Conference on Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems, NEMS 2018 - Singapore, Singapore
Duration: 22 Apr 201826 Apr 2018

Publication series

NameNEMS 2018 - 13th Annual IEEE International Conference on Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems

Conference

Conference13th Annual IEEE International Conference on Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems, NEMS 2018
Country/TerritorySingapore
CitySingapore
Period22/04/1826/04/18

Keywords

  • PDMS molds
  • diatom frustules
  • hierarchical
  • replica molding

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