Synthesis and properties of cross-linkable block copolymer end-capped with 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate

A series of novel cross-linkable copolymers 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate-poly (isobutyl methacrylate)-b-poly3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate] (HFMA-PIBMA-b-PTMSPMA) were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The synthesis and structure of the polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrartd (FTIR) and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The properties of HFMA-PIBMA-b-PTMSPMA and the corresponding copolymers end-capped with nonfluorinated acrylate were comparatively studied by contact angle, transmission electron micrograph (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement. The results indicated that the surface properties and self-assembly behaviors of HFMA-PIBMA-b-PTMSPMA were changed greatly by the introducing of only one fluorinated acrylate. Finally, the transparent solid materials with a slightly blue color were obtained based on the cross-linked behaviors of HFMA-PIBMA-b-PTMSPMA and fracture surfaces of the materials were exhibited by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).