Three-dimensional fluorescence image patterning of network aliphatic polyester via microtransfer molding and thermal treatment

This paper describes that three-dimensional (3-D) fluorescence image patterning of a network aliphatic polyester was successfully conducted by microtransfer molding ((μTM) of the prepolymer and subsequent thermal treatment. A highly sticky, aliphatic ester prepolymer, containing a malonate moiety in the main chain, was obtained by a two-step reaction, quantitatively. The 3-D micropattern of the prepolymer was fabricated by μTM using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as elastomeric mold. The patterns showed a clear shape without any residual layer. When the molded prepolymer was thermally treated, the patterns exhibited very distinct fluorescence images in a full color range of sky-blue, yellowish green and red regions when excited at wavelengths of 325, 488, and 580 nm, respectively.