ABSTRACT
Polymers are macromolecules, which are synthesized from one or more different monomers using different types of polymerization, namely radical or ionic polymerization, polycondensation, polyaddition, and copolymerization. The polymerization type has a direct inuence on the characteristics of the polymer, such as molecular weight and distribution, impurities, and polymer structure. Also, the deposition method of the polymeric lms has an important inuence on surface characteristics (morphology, texture, and surface tension). Therefore, polymers can be chemically or physically tailored to be used in the desired applications: molecular electronics, biotechnology, optoelectronic devices, and liquid crystal (LC) display manufacturing, where the molecules alignment has signicant importance. The alignment of the molecules can be induced by micrometric-or nanometric-grooved substrates varying in height, width, and spacing. There are many methods used to generate micro-and nanopatterned polymer surfaces, such as electron beam lithography, nanoimprint
12.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 191 12.2 Basic Concepts Regarding the Polymeric Materials Used for SRG ............. 192 12.3 Irradiation Conditions Used for Single-Step Surface Relief
Nanostructuration ......................................................................................... 194 12.4 Development of the Nanostructured Surface Relief Created during
Laser Irradiation Process .............................................................................. 196 12.5 Applications ..................................................................................................203 Acknowledgments ..................................................................................................204 References ..............................................................................................................204
