Replication of high-aspect-ratio nanopillar array for biomimetic gecko foot-hair prototype by UV nano embossing with anodic aluminum oxide mold

In this paper, we present a simple and cost-effective replication method of high-aspect-ratio polymer nanopillar array as a biomimetic gecko’s foot hair prototype. A UV nano embossing process was applied for the replication of polymer nanopillar arrays. Highly ordered straight nanoporous AAO (anodic aluminum oxide) templates were utilized as reusable master molds. Densely arranged high-aspect-ratio nanopillar arrays have been successfully fabricated by means of the UV nano embossing process with the AAO mold. Pull-off force measurements were carried out to characterize the adhesive force of the replicated nanopillar arrays on the polymer substrates based on the force–distance curves obtained from the atomic force microscope (AFM) with a modified AFM cantilever. The force measurement results showed that the larger diameter and the taller height of the nanopillars result in the larger adhesive force.