A Discussion on the Development of SCF-CO₂ Hot Embossing Molding Technology and Replication Moldability

Abstract

This study developed carbon dioxide (CO₂)-assisted hot embossing molding technology using the penetration of SCF (supercritical fluid), as generated by CO₂ in a high pressure process, into the high polymer plastic substrate in order to realize the plasticization phenomenon. At the glass transition temperature (Tg), microstructure array elements were molded by hot embossing replication, and the optical effects of the formed microstructure were discussed. This study first developed the SCF hot embossing system equipment by evenly infiltrating the plastic substrate through the SCF phenomenon generated by CO₂ under high pressure. Using the characteristics of the CO₂-aided uniform imprinting technology, this study discussed the microstructure replication moldability and optical effects of the microstructure at the Tg temperature. The results suggested that the SCF hot embossing system proposed in this study can successfully transliterate the microstructure onto the photo-resist at Tg temperature. This study also tested and discussed the replication moldability and optical effects of the structure.

Keywords:

• High polymer
• Hot embossing
• Plasticization phenomenon
• Supercritical fluid (SCF)

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This work was supported by the National Science Council (Series No. NSC101-2221-E-424-002, No. NSC100-2622-E-424-002-CC3 and NSC 100-2221-E- 424-002) of Taiwan.