Original perfluoropolyethers (PFPE)-based block copolymers (FBCs) containing different molecular segments were synthesized.  The copolymers do not contain long-chain perfluoroalkyl segments, which are known to yield environmentally unsafe perfluoalkyl carboxylic acid. We found that the addition of copolymers to thermoplastic films significantly increase the films’ water and oil repellency. In our study, first PFPE-based oligomeric polyesters (FOPETs) and polyurethanes (FOPUs) were synthesized. Then, to improve the compatibility of the materials with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), we synthesized polyethylene isophthalate (PEI) oligomer and reacted the oligomer with FOPET and FOPU utilizing reactive end-groups to obtain tri-block copolymers. In the copolymers, PEI served as a middle block. After FBCs were obtained, they were blended with PET to fabricate films. We have established that FBCs can form polymer brush structures on the blended films. As a result, the surface energy of films can be minimized by spontaneous PFPE surface enrichment. Furthermore, the FBCs brush can be replenished after the films are subjected to wear/abrasion. The surface properties of the films modified with FBCs (such as morphology, composition, and wettability) were investigated using atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. It is demonstrated that the wettability of PET/FBC films depends on four main parameters: (i) macromolecular structure of FBCs, (ii) the concentration of FBCs in the blends, (iii) annealing treatment, and (iv) storage time. Our results also show that all FBCs can provide better water/oil repellency compared to PFPE-based oligomers.  <br/>

Towards a long-chain perfluoroalkyl replacement: wettability of polymer films modified with perfluoropolyethers-based triblock copolymers

255th National Meeting (2018)

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