A Single Microtip Shape Memory Polymer Surface with Reversible Dry Adhesion for Transfer Printing

Abstract

Microfabrication technology is further being advanced with the assistance of the deterministic assembly of small‐scale materials or microobjects through transfer printing which utilizes a stamp to transfer microobjects. However, the growing trend of miniaturization in microfabrication technologies poses challenges in achieving precise and high‐yield transfer of microobjects with diverse compositions, sizes, and shapes. This work describes the study of a novel approach utilizing a geometrically simple single microtip shape memory polymer surface, as a facile stamp to transfer microobjects with almost any shape (down to tens of micrometer size). To showcase the unique features of this approach, the adhesive characteristics of the single microtip shape memory polymer surface are systemically tested in a variety of thermomechanical loading conditions and its exceptional adhesion strength (≈2 MPa) and reversibility (>1000:1) are found. Over these results, its functionality to manipulate diverse microobjects with planar and non‐planar geometries as well as with flat and rough surface profiles is highlighted, accordingly. Finally, its ability to correct transfer printing errors due to its strong adhesive capability is demonstrated. This work represents a promising avenue to advance transfer printing techniques for microfabrication technologies, particularly regarding achieving high precision and yield in the integration of heterogeneous materials.