Synthesis and surface characterization of an amphiphilic fluorinated copolymer via emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization of RAFT

The hydrophobic monomer dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate has been copolymerized with hydrophilic monomer methacrylic acid in aqueous solution without any additional emulsifier used via a two-step polymerization process of RAFT. The FTIR and GPC results indicated that amphiphilic copolymers with a narrow molecular weight distribution and well-defined blocks have been synthesized successfully. And the copolymers are likely to form steady micelles in the emulsion. Indicated by TEM, it is clear that micelles with a diameter of 70–120 nm have been formed. Despite a content of 22 wt% of hydrophilic carboxyl, films formed by casting the emulsion onto the baseplate can be hydrophobic after heating treatment.

Graphical abstractWell-defined amphiphilic fluorinated copolymers have been copolymerized directly in emulsifier-free aqueous solution via RAFT. And it was found these copolymers can form stable micelles in the emulsion. Besides, when coated on baseplate, the copolymers will form hydrophilic films, and after a heating treatment, the film can became relatively hydrophobic.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide