• Current Photovoltaic Research
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.140-144
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• 2016

In this paper, core-shell structure of nickel/gold (Ni/Au) conductive layer on poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) micro-ball was fabricated and its conduction property was investigated. Firstly, PMMA micro-ball was synthesized by using dispersion polymerization method. Size of the ball was $2.8{\mu}m$ within ${\pm}7%$ deviation, and appropriate elastic deformation of the PMMA micro-ball ranging from 31 to 39% was achieved under 3 kg pressure. Also, 200 nm thick Ni/Au conductive layer was fabricated on the PMMA micro-ball by uniformly depositing with electroless-plating. Adhesion of the conductive layer was optimized with help of surface pre-treatment, and the layer adhered without peeling-off despite of thermal expansion by collision with accelerated electrons. Composite paste containing core-shell structured particles well cured at low temperature of $130^{\circ}C$ while pressing the test chip onto the substrate to make electrical contact, and electrical resistance of the conductive layer showed stable behavior of about $6.0{\Omega}$. Thus, it was known that core-shell structured particle of the Ni/Au conductive layer on PMMA micro-ball was feasible to flexible electronics.

• KSTLE International Journal
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.14-17
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• 2006

In this paper, we report on the replication of surface topography of natural leaf of Lotus onto thin polymeric films using a capillarity-directed soft lithographic technique. PDMS molds were used to replicate the surface. The replication was carried out on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) film coated on silicon wafer. The patterns so obtained were investigated for their friction properties at micro-scale using a ball-on-flat type micro-tribo tester, under reciprocating motion. Soda lime balls (1 mm diameter) were used as counterface sliders. Friction tests were conducted at a constant applied normal load of $3000{\mu}N$ and speed of 1mm/s. All experiments were conducted at ambient temperature ($24{\pm}1^{\circ}C$) and relative humidity ($45{\pm}5%$). Results showed that the patterned samples exhibited superior tribological properties when compared to the silicon wafer and non patterned sample (PMMA thin film). The reduced real area of contact projected by the surfaces was the main reason for their enhanced friction property.

• KSTLE International Journal
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.33-38
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• 2005

Submicron-scale patterns made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were fabricated on silicon-wafer using a capillarity-directed soft lithographic technique. Polyurethane acrylate (PUA) stamps (Master molds) were used to fabricate the patterns. Patterns with three different aspect ratios were fabricated by varying the holding time. The patterns fabricated were the negative replica of the master mold. The patterns so obtained were investigated for their adhesion and friction properties at nano-scale using AFM. Friction tests were conducted in the range of 0-80 nN. Glass (Borosilicate) balls of diameter 1.25 mm mounted on cantilever (Contact Mode type NPS) were used as tips. Further, micro-friction tests were performed using a ball-on-flat type micro-tribe tester, under reciprocating motion, using a soda lime ball (1 mm diameter) under a normal load of 3,000 mN. All experiments were conducted at ambient temperature ($24{\pm}1^{\circ}C$) and relative humidity ($45{\pm}5\%$). Results showed that the patterned samples exhibited superior tribological properties when compared to the silicon wafer and non-patterned sample (PMMA thin film) both at the nano and micro-scales, owing to their increased hydrophobicity and reduced real area of contact. In the case of patterns it was observed that their morphology (shape factor and size factor) was decisive in defining the real area of contact.