Synthesis, characterization and bulk properties of well-defined poly(hexafluorobutyl methacrylate)-block-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) via consecutive ATRP

• Amphiphilic fluoropolymer prepared by sequential ATRP and ring-opening of epoxy groups.
• The copolymerization kinetic showed a linear first-order relationship.
• Fluorinated copolymers had higher surface free energy than its homopolymer.
• The self-assembly morphology of ring-opened polymer in solution was microsphere.

A well-defined fluorine-containing copolymer with pendant epoxy groups, poly(2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate-block-glycidyl methacrylate) (PHFBMA-b-PGMA), was prepared by sequential atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The amphiphilic copolymer PHFBMA-b-PGMA(OH) with pendant hydroxyl groups was obtained after ring-opening reaction of the epoxy groups from PGMA. The macroinitiator agent PHFBMA-Br and its copolymers were proved to be successfully synthesized by characterization of FTIR, 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The chain growth experiment demonstrated that a linear first-order relationship was fitted under the conditions. In addition, the fluorinated copolymers with functional groups in the side chain could keep the contact angle and the advantages of fluoropolymers while improving the hydrophilic property. Meanwhile, TGA testing showed that the copolymers had better thermal stability than its homopolymer. TEM observation indicated that microspheres were embedded in the stable micelles when the final copolymer concentration of aqueous solution was 1 wt%.

Well-defined fluorine-containing copolymer, poly(2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate-block-glycidyl methacrylate) (PHFBMA-b-PGMA), is investigated by sequential atom transfer radical polymerization and an amphiphilic structure is obtained after ring-opening reaction of epoxy groups on PGMA. The microsphere morphology is observed in the stable micelles by TEM when fluorine-containing segments are insoluble in water and then curl up to be random coils, while the hydrophilic moiety can be miscible with water and then stretch on the outside.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide