Minimizing silicone transfer during micro-contact printing

Methods to minimize the transfer of silicone from PDMS stamps during micro-contact printing have been investigated. This study focused on amino-silanes stamped onto PTFE substrates. Analysis of the stamped surfaces was through surface sensitive techniques such as XPS and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS). It was found that curing the PDMS at elevated temperatures minimized the amount of silicone transferred. The amount of silicone transferred also depended on the pretreatment of the stamp and the type of ink used.