PERFLUOROALKYLATION OF POLYURETHANE MEMBRANES AND THEIR SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS

Two fluoroalkylating agents, 2-aminomethyl-1,1,2,3,3,4,4-H-perfluorodo - decanol and perfluorodecanoic acid, were used to modify the surfaces of polyurethane membranes and their fluoroalkylation efficiencies wer e compared. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that all the modif ied samples contained fluorine and that the amino alcohol-treated poly urethane had a slightly higher surface fluorine content than the perfl uorodecanoic acid-treated one. Both the modifier concentration and the treatment time had no significant effect on the amount of fluorine in corporated. Evidence for fluorine incorporation was also provided by r eflection infrared spectroscopy, Contact angle measurements indicated that the modified microporous membranes were both water- and oil-repel lent and may, therefore, be used in protective clothing applications w here good liquid barrier properties are desirable.