RADIATION-INDUCED FUNCTIONALIZATION OF FLUOROPOLYMERS

The electron radiation induced changes in the chemical composition and structure of tetrafluoroethylene homopolymer (PTFE) as well as its co polymers with hexafluoropropylene (FEP) and perfluoropropylvinylether (PFA) were studied mainly by infrared spectroscopy. Irradiations carri ed out in the presence of air cause the formation of acid fluoride end groups, which subsequently hydrolyzed to carboxylic acid end groups i n the presence of moisture. The irradiation of these three fluoropolym ers yield essentially the same results. However, the degree of oxidati on is higher in the case of FEP and PFA copolymers than for PTFE under the same irradiation conditions. In the second part, we describe the covalent linkage of (aminopropyl)triethoxysilane to the irradiated flu oropolymer surfaces. It should be possible to use such modified materi als containing triethoxysilane functionality as 'coupling agents' to b ond fluoropolymers onto glass or metal.