Abstract: The present invention is directed to micro- and nano-scale imprinting methods and the use of such methods to fabricate supported and/or free-standing 3-D micro- and/or nano-structures of polymeric, ceramic, and/or metallic materials. In some embodiments, a duo-mold approach is employed in the fabrication of these structures. In such methods, surface treatments are employed to impart differential surface energies to different molds and/or different parts of the mold(s). Such surface treatments permit the formation of three-dimensional (3-D) structures through imprinting and the transfer of such structures to a substrate. In some or other embodiments, such surface treatments and variation in glass transition temperature of the polymers used can facilitate separation of the 3-D structures from the molds to form free-standing micro- and/or nano-structures individually and/or in a film.

Abstract: Disclosed is an object (200) such as a credit card, bank note, document, label, etc which carries an identification layer (103) which contains readable information. The identification layer can include randomly distributed conductive/magnetizable particles (303), semiconductive particle, optically active particles and the like. The identification layer is sandwiched between an upper layer (105) and lower layer (104) to form the object. At least some of the particles are exposed along one edge (102) of the object and can be read by a read head (201) which moves along the edge.

Abstract: There is disclosed an imprinted polymer support for solid phase organic synthesis (SPOS). The polymer support being obtainable from a method that comprises providing a substrate and a mold, the mold having a defined surface pattern. A composition is placed between the defined surface pattern of the mold and the substrate. The composition comprises a polymerisation medium with at least one functional monomer and a free radical initiator. The composition is polymerised to form an array of polymer imprints adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of applying a pattern on a topography includes first applying a polymer film to an elastomer member, such as PDMS, to form a pad. The pad is then applied to a substrate having a varying topography under pressure. The polymer film is transferred to the substrate due to the plastic deformation of the polymer film under pressure compared to the elastic deformation of the PDMS member. Thus, upon removal of the pad from the substrate, the PDMS member pulls away from the polymer layer, thereby depositing the polymer layer upon the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an object (200) such as a credit card, bank note, document, label, etc which carries an identification layer (103) which contains readable information. The identification layer can include randomly distributed conductive/magnetisable particles (303), semiconductive particle, optically active particles and the like. The identification layer is sandwiched between an upper layer (105) and lower layer (104) to form the object. At least some of the particles are exposed along one edge (102) of the object and can be read by a read head (201) which moves along the edge.

Abstract: There is disclosed an imprinted polymer support for solid phase organic synthesis (SPOS). The polymer support being obtainable from a method that comprises providing a substrate and a mold, the mold having a defined surface pattern. A composition is placed between the defined surface pattern of the mold and the substrate. The composition comprises a polymerisation medium with at least one functional monomer and a free radical initiator. The composition is polymerised to form an array of polymer imprints adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of applying a pattern on a topography includes first applying a polymer film to an elastomer member, such as PDMS, to form a pad. The pad is then applied to a substrate having a varying topography under pressure. The polymer film is transferred to the substrate due to the plastic deformation of the polymer film under pressure compared to the elastic deformation of the PDMS member. Thus, upon removal of the pad from the substrate, the PDMS member pulls away from the polymer layer, thereby depositing the polymer layer upon the substrate.

Abstract: Methods of creating patterns on substrates are presented, and articles of manufacture resulting therefrom. One method comprises applying a first surface energy modifier to an applicator to form a coating on the applicator; contacting the coating with a receiving member, the receiving member having a topography, the coating only contacting and remaining on at least some protrusions; exposing the first modified receiving member to a second surface energy modifier, thereby forming a second modified receiving member having surface modified recesses; applying a composition comprising a polymeric material to the second modified receiving member, the composition substantially conforming to the topography of the surface modified protrusions and the surface modified recesses; and contacting the composition-coated, surface modified protrusions with a substrate for a time and under conditions sufficient to transfer the polymeric material on protrusions to the substrate.

Abstract: Methods of creating patterns on substrates are presented, and articles of manufacture resulting therefrom. One method comprises applying a first surface energy modifier to an applicator to form a coating on the applicator; contacting the coating with a receiving member, the receiving member having a topography, the coating only contacting and remaining on at least some protrusions; exposing the first modified receiving member to a second surface energy modifier, thereby forming a second modified receiving member having surface modified recesses; applying a composition comprising a polymeric material to the second modified receiving member, the composition substantially conforming to the topography of the surface modified protrusions and the surface modified recesses; and contacting the composition-coated, surface modified protrusions with a substrate for a time and under conditions sufficient to transfer the polymeric material on protrusions to the substrate.