Formation of micro protrusion arrays atop shape memory polymer

Abstract

Utilizing the significant shape recovery ability (in the order of 100% strain) in shape memory polymers (SMPs), we propose two simple approaches, namely laser heating and indentation, to produce micro-sized protrusion arrays. In the former, after local laser heating a pre-compressed SMP, protrusive bumps can be produced. In the latter, through an indentation-polishing-heating process, various shaped protrusive bumps can be produced. It is to demonstrate that indentation is a more convenient and powerful approach than laser heating, since well controlled, different shaped protrusion arrays can be realized.