doi:10.3850/978-981-07-0319-6_262

ABSTRACT

Accurately replicating nano-scale surface structures is a key challenge for micromoulding processes aiming to produce devices for a range of markets, particularly heathcare where there is a strong demand for surface structures designed to exhibit a particular surface wetting or bio-active response. This paper presents the results of investigations for influencing surface roughnesses by controlling the crystallisation kinetics of semi-crystalline materials when moulded against a very smooth (<5nm Ra) sapphire surface. For this work, a design of experiments moulding trial has been performed using a Battenfeld Microsystem 50 micromoulding machine to evaluate the influence of the process dynamics on the resulting forms. Surface topology has been characterised using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and 3D scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Polymer morphology has been studied using AFM, DSC and polarised light microscopy.

Keywords: Microinjection moulding, Surface structuring, Crystallisation.

© 2011 4M 2011 Organisers