Anti-sticking layers for nickel-based nanoreplication tools

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted HighlightsReliable anti-sticking coatings on nickel surfaces are produced based on perfluoro-alkyl phosphates and -phosphonates.Oxygen plasma pre-treatment yields 5nm oxide suitable for layer attachment.Friction force and contact angle measurements confirm the adapted surface properties.Stability is demonstrated with repeated nano-imprint cycles and XPS. Nickel is the preferred material for molds used in high throughput micro injection molding and roll-to-roll processes. We present different solutions for anti-sticking layers for nickel-based nanoreplication tools, which are highly desired for replication of features in the sub-micrometer and nanometer scale. Layers of fluorocarbon molecules, bound to nickel via different head groups, were evaluated via friction force and contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and imprint tests. The robustness of fluorinated phosphates and phosphonates applied to nickel pre-treated in oxygen plasma is similar to silanes used on silicon molds.