Fabrication of micro-pyramid arrays on PETG films by roll-to-roll hot embossing

摘要

Roll-to-roll hot embossing is a promising method for micro-structures fabrication with high throughput. Micro pyramid arrays with the average height of 65 pm and the bottom edge length of 175 pm were successfully fabricated on optical transparent poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-1,4-cylclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) (PETG) films via roll-to-roll hot embossing. No whitening caused by crystallization happened on PETG films during embossing. The effects of roller temperature, roller speed and applied force on the replication quality of micro-pyramid arrays were investigated. According to the effects we studied, the embossing conditions can be optimized for fabrication of high micro-pyramid arrays with low defects percentage. Optical microscope images show that micro-pyramid arrays with the average height over 60 pm have good reflection performance. The PETG films with micro-pyramid arrays can be of applications in reflective films field. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.