Synthesis, thermal and surface characterization of fluorinated polystyrenes

Three styrene derivatives bearing fluoroalkyl substituents in para or (meta /para) positions have been synthesized under phase-transfer-catalysis condi tions. Homopolymers and copolymers with styrene have been prepared by free- radical polymerization, The monomer reactivity ratios of each monomer with styrene are determined by the Kelen-Tudos method. The results show that the fluoroalkyl substituent does not significantly affect the reactivity of th e styrene double bond. Thermal and surface properties of the copolymers hav e been examined. Copolymers from the para-substituted styrene derivative sh ow higher glass transition temperatures (T-g) than those obtained with the mixture of isomers. Low dispersive surface energies (11 < y(S)(D) < 17 mNm( -1)) are determined from contact angle data measured with the Wilhelmy plat e method. (C) 1999 Society of Chemical Industry.