Microcontact stamping is a promising microfabrication technique for producing functional patterned thin films on flexible substrates; however, systematic optimization of its process parameters for thermochromic applications remains limited. In this study, we present a comprehensive parametric optimization of the microcontact stamping process to fabricate thermochromic pigment-coated thin films with rapid and reversible color responses. The effects of liquid resin type, SU-8 mold thickness, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixing ratio, and pattern size on pattern fidelity and thermochromic performance were systematically investigated. The optimal conditions were identified as a UV-curable resin, a 600 µm-thick SU-8 mold, a PDMS base-to-curing-agent ratio of 5:1, and a pattern size of 125 × 125 µm2. Under these conditions, the stamped thermochromic films exhibited uniform micro-patterns, rapid response and recovery behavior, and stable reversible color changes over 20 consecutive thermal cycles. This work provides practical guidelines for parameter-controlled microcontact stamping of functional thin films and demonstrates its potential for scalable fabrication of thermochromic micro-patterns. The proposed approach is expected to contribute to the development of flexible and wearable electronic devices, smart displays, and thermally responsive sensing platforms.
Lee et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: