Soft Mold Composition for Nano-Imprint Durability and Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soft molds used in nano-imprint processes for forming optical patterns in display devices face challenges with durability and release properties, particularly after repeated use, which affects the precision and productivity of optical member manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A composition for soft molds comprising 40 wt % to 96 wt % multifunctional acrylate monomer, 3 wt % to 15 wt % photoinitiator, and 0.1 wt % to 50 wt % siloxane compound, which includes a combination of photoinitiators activated by different UV wavelengths and a siloxane compound with acrylate groups, enhancing polymerization reactivity and release properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional soft mold materials are used, then the mold can be manufactured, but the release properties deteriorate after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of multifunctional acrylate monomer, siloxane compound, and photoinitiator. The siloxane compound (0.1-50 wt%) provides release properties by creating a low-surface-energy interface, while the acrylate monomer forms the polymer matrix. This composite approach maintains good release properties even after repeated use by combining the benefits of both material systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the composition parameters including the ratio of multifunctional acrylate monomer (40-96 wt%), siloxane compound (0.1-50 wt%), and photoinitiator (3-15 wt%). By adjusting these parameters, the mold achieves both durability and release properties. The specific parameter ranges are determined to balance polymerization reactivity, mechanical strength, and release characteristics.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the soft mold is designed for high durability, then the mold lasts longer, but the release force increases making detachment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The siloxane compound concentrates at the mold surface to provide localized low-surface-energy properties that reduce release force. This allows the bulk material to maintain high durability through strong polymerization, while the surface provides easy release. The local concentration of siloxane at the interface creates different properties at the surface versus the bulk material.
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 composition results in soft molds with improved durability, reduced release force, and excellent release properties, allowing for easy detachment from master molds even after multiple uses, thereby increasing productivity in optical pattern formation.
Implementation Method 1
3 wt % or more to 15 wt % or less of at least one photoinitiator based on the total weight of the composition for the soft mold
Implementation Method 2
0.1 wt % or more to 50 wt % or less of a siloxane compound based on the total weight of the composition for the soft mold
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for a soft mold according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may manufacture a soft mold having good durability and release properties by including at least one multifunctional acrylate monomer, at least one photoinitiator, and a siloxane compound, and may improve productivity in the manufacture of an optical member by using the soft mold.