Sub micrometer ceramic structures fabricated by molding a polymer-derived ceramic

This paper describes the fabrication of sub micrometer silicon oxycarbide (SiCO) ceramic structures. The method consists in replicating silicon micro/nanostructures in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), followed by a micro/nano molding of liquid polymer derived ceramic precursor (PDC). A dense ceramic SiCO replicated structure is obtained. In order to replicate the original structures with the highest fidelity possible, we applied a combination of coatings on the PDMS mold, in order to improve both filling and releasing. It was possible to fabricate reproducibly arrays of ceramic tips with a radius of 120 nm.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Fabrication of sub micrometer polymer derived ceramic high aspect ratio structures. ► Polymer derived ceramic micro/nano molding on soft PDMS mold. ► Ceramic feature size of 50 nm reached. ► Mechanical properties and composition of ceramic material determined.