One-Step Replication Against a Thin-Layer Material Formed by Self-Assembly of Hollow Hemispheres on a Substrate

A choice of positive or negative replicas by micromolding is reported. Pressureless attachment of a mold consisting of self-assembled hollow hemispheres onto a polycarbonate (PC) fluid imprints the shape of the (air-filled) hemispheres into the PC as a positive replica (see Figure). Negative replicas can be formed by filling the mold consisting of thin-walled self-assembled hollow hemispheres with monomers, which are subsequently polymerized.