Fluorinated polymers and related methods

Abstract

Disclosed are block copolymers and end-functionalized polymers containing in their backbones at least one fluoro alkyl (meth)acrylate mer unit comprising —C 6 F 13 , —C 4 F 9 , or —C 3 F 7 .

1 . A method of reducing the surface tension of a liquid comprising adding to said liquid less than 10 wt % of a surface active agent derived from a composition comprising a block copolymer having at least one mer unit in its backbone having the following formula  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein  
         
           
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
         
         represents a bond in a polymerizable or polymer chain; Rf is —C 6 F 13  or —C 3 F 7 ; R and R 2  are each independently hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms; n is an integer from 2 to 11; and x is an integer of at least 1.  
       
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  for stabilizing a froth comprising a gas and a polymerizable monomer.  
     
     
         3 . A method for modifying the surface chemistry of a polymeric substrate comprising adding less than 10 wt % of a surface active agent derived from a block copolymeric material having at least one mer unit in its backbone having the following formula  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein  
         
           
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
         
         represents a bond in a polymerizable or polymer chain; R f  is —C 6 F 13 , —C 4 F 9 , or —C 3 F 7 ; R and R 2  are each independently hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms; n is an integer from 2 to 11; and x is an integer of at least 1.