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Spontaneous formation of ordered structures in thin films of metals supported on an elastomeric polymer

Author

Listed:
  • Ned Bowden

    (Harvard University)

  • Scott Brittain

    (Harvard University)

  • Anthony G. Evans

    (Harvard University)

  • John W. Hutchinson

    (Harvard University)

  • George M. Whitesides

    (Harvard University)

Abstract

Spontaneous generation of complex order in apparently simple systems is both arresting and potentially useful1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11. Here we describe the appearance of complex, ordered structures induced by the buckling of thin metal films owing to thermal contraction of an underlying substrate. We deposit the films from the vapour phase on a thermally expanded polymer (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS). Subsequent cooling of the polymer creates compressive stress in the metal film that is relieved by buckling with a uniform wavelength of 20–50 micrometres. The waves can be controlled and orientated by relief structures in the surface of the polymer, which can set up intricate, ordered patterns over large areas. We can account qualitatively for the size and form of the patterned features in terms of the non-uniform stresses developed in the film near steps on the polymer substrate. This patterning process may find applications in optical devices such as diffraction gratings and optical sensors, and as the basis for methods of strain analysis in materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Ned Bowden & Scott Brittain & Anthony G. Evans & John W. Hutchinson & George M. Whitesides, 1998. "Spontaneous formation of ordered structures in thin films of metals supported on an elastomeric polymer," Nature, Nature, vol. 393(6681), pages 146-149, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:393:y:1998:i:6681:d:10.1038_30193
    DOI: 10.1038/30193
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    Cited by:

    1. Sung Yun Son & Giwon Lee & Hongyu Wang & Stephanie Samson & Qingshan Wei & Yong Zhu & Wei You, 2022. "Integrating charge mobility, stability and stretchability within conjugated polymer films for stretchable multifunctional sensors," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Collins, Ieuan & Hossain, Mokarram & Dettmer, Wulf & Masters, Ian, 2021. "Flexible membrane structures for wave energy harvesting: A review of the developments, materials and computational modelling approaches," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    3. Natarajan Shanmugam & Rishi Pugazhendhi & Rajvikram Madurai Elavarasan & Pitchandi Kasiviswanathan & Narottam Das, 2020. "Anti-Reflective Coating Materials: A Holistic Review from PV Perspective," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-93, May.
    4. Zehong Wang & Tiantian Li & Yixiang Chen & Jin Li & Xiaodong Ma & Jie Yin & Xuesong Jiang, 2022. "Photodimerization induced hierarchical and asymmetric iontronic micropatterns," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
    5. Yoon Ho Lee & Yousang Won & Jungho Mun & Sanghyuk Lee & Yeseul Kim & Bongjun Yeom & Letian Dou & Junsuk Rho & Joon Hak Oh, 2023. "Hierarchically manufactured chiral plasmonic nanostructures with gigantic chirality for polarized emission and information encryption," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.

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