Exploring instantaneous micro-imprinting technology on semi-cured epoxy resin coating based on relationship between forming precision and curing degree

Abstract

Nano/micro-imprinting technology base on polymer material coating has attracted the increasing attentions throughout the world in the past several decades, and it is progressively developing into the hot topic at present, in which, how to improve the manufacturing efficiency is becoming the urgent issue to be resolved. Polymer?s curing process is exactly complicated and sophisticated, which involves simultaneously performing physical and chemical changes, when the curing reaction reaches certain level, the system will abruptly transform into insoluble, non-melting gel with rapidly increased viscosity and rigidity, which can generate fixed deformation under persistent external pressure. In this paper, the plastic deformation capacity of epoxy resin in the curing process is investigated by the micro-dimple imprinting experiment, and the relationship between forming precision and curing degree is ascertained adopting the DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) method. In addition, the instantaneous micro-imprinting technology based on the micro-grooves is explored, and the experimental results indicate that the forming precision can surpass 90%. The paper will establish a novel avenue to apply the nano/micro imprinting technology into practical engineering.