Methods for patterning polymer films, and use of the methods

A method for patterning a polymer film forming a coating on a material surface, wherein the patterning takes place by means of a stamp made of an elastomer material and having a surface with at least one indentation formed therein, said method comprising the steps of

• modifying a polymer film material by incorporating one or more additives in order to reduce cohesive binding of a deposited thin film thereof,
• at least one of modifying the material surface in order to provide a weak adhesion between the material surface and the polymer film to be removed therefrom and modifying the elastomer stamp surface in order to provide a strong adhesion between the stamp and the polymer film to be attached thereto,
• depositing onto the material surface a thin film of the modified polymer material,
• applying to the material surface the elastomer stamp in conformal contact with the surface of the deposited polymer film, such that portions thereof contacting one or more protruding elements of the elastomer stamp formed by the at least one indentation thereof are attached to the protruding element or elements and removed from the material surface with the elastomer stamp, and
• leaving a pattern in the thin film of polymer on the material surface when removing the elastomer stamp therefrom.