Replica Molding . A PDMS stamp is cast against a conventionally patterned master. Polyurethane is then molded against the secondary PDMS master. In this way, multiple copies can be made without damaging the original master. Continuous channels are formed when a PDMS stamp is brought into conformal contact with a solid substrate.
Capillary action fills the channels with a polymer precursor.
The polymer is cured and the stamp is removed. A PDMS stamp is filled with a prepolymer or ceramic precursor and placed on a substrate. The material is cured and the stamp is removed. A small amount of solvent is spread on a patterned PDMS stamp and the stamp is placed on a polymer, such as photoresist. The solvent swells the polymer and causes it to expand to fill the surface relief of the stamp.