A*STARs IMRE & Partners Launch Nanoimprint Technology to Develop Dry Adhesives and more

Singapore -- Adhesives that leave no sticky residue, skins that keep medical instruments germ-free, new anti-reflective protectors for displays or surfaces that prevent barnacles from attaching to ships. These are just some of the products that nanoimprinting technology is capable of producing. A*STARs Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) and its partners launched a newNanoimprint Foundry that will develop, test-bed and prototype specially engineered plastics and surfaces for the specific purpose of commercializing the technologies. Possible applications of nanoimprint technology include dry adhesives, aesthetic packaging, contact lenses, biomedical cell scaffolds, anti-frost surfaces and anti-bacteria materials.

The multi-party investment will bring together national research organizations, suppliers and manufacturers spanning the nanotechnology value chain, and government agencies to promote the technology. The Foundry is part of a masterplan spearheaded by A*STAR to push translational research and accelerate commercialization of home-grown technologies. In partnership with other A*STAR research institutes, IMRE will work with companies like Toshiba Machines Co Ltd, EV Group, NTT Advanced Technology Corporation, NIL Technology ApS, Kyodo International Inc., micro resist technology GmbH, Nanoveu Pte Ltd and Solves Innovative Technology Pte Ltd to produce prototypes for real-world products and applications. The Foundry and its partners will also work closely with Singapores Economic Development Board (EDB) and SPRING to promote its nanoimprint applications to industry as part of the plans to build up Singapores high-value manufacturing capabilities.

"We can help companies develop up to 20,000 samples for proof-of-concept and pilot production allowing manufacturers to shorten the product cycle but minus the heavy capital R&D investment", said Dr Karen Chong, the IMRE scientist who is heading the Foundry. Dr Chong added that the Foundry will be a one-stop shop for companies seeking to conceive, design and develop solutions for new, revolutionary products based on the versatile nanoimprint technology. "The Foundry gives us the tools for creating real products that target industry end users and ultimately consumers", explained Mr Masayuki Yagi, Director & General Manager, Advanced Machinery Business Unit, Toshiba Machines Co Ltd, Japan on why the company chose to participate in the initiative. "Toshiba Machines and the Foundry will aim to deliver innovative engineering solutions based on nanoimprint and be the best partner for leading industries.

According to Mr Koh Teng Kwee, Director of Solves Innovative Technology Pte Ltd, "Working with IMRE since ICON 1, I am sure IMREs nanoimprint technology and know-how is now ready for industrial adoption. In my opinion, IMRE is able to provide everything needed for a new product realization involving nanoimprinting."