Nanoimprinting pattern formation using photo-curable acrylate composites

Abstract

The effects of silica content were studied on UV curing characteristics and defect formations in imprinted patterns of hundreads nanometer size for the photo-curable imprinting composites with silica particles. An increase in elasticity and a decrease in shrinkage were observed with an increase in silica content in the imprinting resin which was UV cured at room temperature. However, the patterned nano-pillars were stuck together with neighboring nano-pillars if the amount of silica is more than 7 wt%. This can be ascribed to the increased viscosity of imperfectly cured resin due to the obstruction of the photo-reaction by silica particles. Addition of silica to the imprinting resin is useful in enhancing the strength of the cured resin although it is difficult to get good imprinted patterns for the resin with more than 7 wt% of silica due to the reduction of photo-reaction conversion.