Gravure Printing with Self-Assembled Monolayers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithography techniques are complex and costly, and printing processes like gravure offset printing are sought for improved patterning accuracy and simplicity, especially for microsize patterns in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A gravure printing method involving a substrate with recess and convex portions treated with self-assembled monolayers of different surface energies, where the recess portions are filled with ink using a polar or non-polar solvent, and the ink is transferred to a printing object substrate using a blanket, enhancing pattern accuracy by controlling surface energies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If lithography techniques (photolithography, electron-beam lithography, X-ray lithography) are used for patterning, then pattern formation capability is achieved, but process complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface energy parameters of different substrate regions through selective monolayer formation. By treating recess portions with hydrophilic monolayers and convex portions with hydrophobic monolayers (or vice versa), the patent creates differential surface properties that enable precise ink placement without complex lithography equipment, resolving the contradiction between patterning accuracy and process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/optical systems of lithography (photoresist, etching, beams) with a chemical surface treatment system. Instead of using light, electrons, or X-rays to define patterns, the patent uses self-assembled monolayers with different surface energies to control ink behavior, significantly simplifying the patterning process while maintaining precision
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional gravure printing without surface energy differentiation is used, then printing process simplicity is maintained, but ink placement accuracy and pattern integrity deteriorate due to residual ink
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating spatially differentiated surface properties on the printing substrate. Recess portions are treated with one type of monolayer (hydrophilic or hydrophobic) while convex portions receive the opposite treatment, enabling localized control of ink adhesion and transfer. This local differentiation ensures accurate ink placement in recess areas while preventing residual ink on convex areas, maintaining pattern integrity without complicating the overall printing process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method improves the accuracy of printing patterns by ensuring precise ink placement and removal, reducing residual ink issues and maintaining pattern integrity, thus addressing the complexity and cost challenges of lithography.
Implementation Method 1
forming a first self-assembled monolayer on the surface of the recess portion; forming a second self-assembled monolayer on the surface of the convex portion
Implementation Method 2
the first and second self-assembled monolayers respectively formed on the surfaces of the recess portion and the convex portion have different surface energies
Implementation Method 3
forming a first hydroxyl group on the surface of the recess portion and combining the first hydroxyl group and a compound including a hydrophilic group
Implementation Method 4
The compound including the hydrophilic group may include at least one of trichlorosilane, dichloro-monomethylsilane, and monochloro-dimethylsilane substituted with the hydrophilic group
Implementation Method 5
filling the recess portion with an ink
Implementation Method 6
The ink may include a polar solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A gravure printing method is provided that includes: patterning a substrate to form a printing substrate having a recess portion and a convex portion; forming a first self-assembled monolayer on the surface of the recess portion; forming a second self-assembled monolayer on the surface of the convex portion; filling ink into the recess portion; and transferring the ink filled in the recess portion to a printing object substrate, wherein the first and second self-assembled monolayers respectively formed on the surfaces of the recess portion and the convex portion have different surface energies.