Processing method utilizing stick-slip phenomenon for forming periodic micro/nano-structure

The stick-slip phenomenon was used to develop a simple, low-cost, and large-area-processable microfabrication method for forming periodic structures, because the stick-slip phenomenon occurs easily and its vibration period can be on the micro/nanometer order. At first, an original device that causes the stick-slip phenomenon between a razor and a polymer film was fabricated. Thus, periodic micro-structures on a polymer film could be formed by a simple method in which a film is rolled up only when a razor is pressed into the film surface. Periodic nano-structures could also be formed by adjusting the processing conditions. Thus, a processing method utilizing stick-slip phenomenon for forming periodic micro/nano-structures (termed SS processing) was developed. Collaterally, it was revealed that the period of the periodic structures formed by SS processing decreased as the contact force between a razor and a film decreased and as the constraint force against a razor by a film increased. Moreover, a mathematical expression was proposed for predicting the period of the periodic structures formed by SS processing by introducing an abrasion coefficient into a theoretical formula for the SS phenomenon. Consequently, the calculated result using this expression showed good agreement with the experimental results.