Single-imprint moth-eye anti-reflective and self-cleaning film with enhanced resistance. Issue 33 (1st June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Navarro-Baena, Iván; Jacobo-Martín, Alejandra; Hernández, Jaime J.; Castro Smirnov, Jose R.; Viela, Felipe; Monclús, Miguel A.; Osorio, Manuel R.; Molina-Aldareguia, Jon M.; Rodríguez, Isabel
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 10:Issue 33(2018)
• Page Start: 15496
• Page End: 15504
• Publication Date: 2018-06-01
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c8nr02386g
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : Nanoimprinted surface nanocomposite films exhibit multifunctional broadband anti-reflective and photo-induced self-cleaning properties with improved mechanical resistance. Abstract : Antireflective transparent materials are essential for a myriad of applications to allow for clear vision and efficient light transmission. Despite the advances, efficient and low cost solutions to clean antireflective surfaces have remained elusive. Here, we present a practical approach that enables the production of antireflective polymer surfaces based on moth-eye inspired features incorporating photoinduced self-cleaning properties and enhanced mechanical resistance. The methodology involves the fabrication of sub-wavelength moth-eye nanofeatures onto transparent surface composite films in a combined processing step of nanoparticle coating and surface nanoimprinting. The resulting surfaces reduced the optical reflection losses from values of 9% of typical PMMA plastic films to an optimum value of 0.6% in the case of double-sided moth-eye nanoimprinted films. The composite moth-eye topography also showed an improved stiffness and scratch resistance. This technology represents a significant advancement not limited by scale, for the development of antireflective films for low cost application products.