Synthesis and characterization of new silicon-containing fluoroacrylate monomers and polymers: 3

Abstract

A series of new silicon-containing fluoroacrylate polymers and copolymers (with methyl acrylate) has been prepared, starting from 1,3-bis(hexafluoro-2-hydroxy-2-propyl)benzene (1,3-HFAB). The fluorinated, silicon-containing alcohol precursor was synthesized in two steps by reacting 1,3-HFAB first with n-butyl lithium and subsequently with dichlorodimethylsilane. The silicon-containing alcohol was finally reacted with acryloyl or methacryloyl chloride to give the corresponding monomers. Polymers were obtained by bulk free radical polymerization using α,α′-azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. The polymers, which have inherent viscosities ranging from 0.20 to 0.33 dl g −1, form brittle hydrophobic films by solution casting. The polyacrylates are stable to about 375°C (10% weight loss) in nitrogen and exhibit glass transition from 67 to 110°C.