Toward the Replacement of Long-Chain Perfluoroalkyl Compounds: Perfluoropolyether-Based Low Surface Energy Grafted Nanocoatings

Abstract

We describe a straightforward approach to fabricating perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based nanocoatings, significantly decreasing the spreading of oil and water on coated surfaces. In the fabrication, polyglycidyl methacrylate (PGMA) is used as an anchoring layer deposited on the silicon surface before PFPE attachment. Perfluoropolyether-based polyester acid (PFPE-COOH) is then grafted to the PGMA surface to reduce its surface energy and, consequently, wettability. The grafted surface demonstrates a hexadecane contact angle of 40–46° and a water contact angle of 80–98°. The surface’s wettability strongly depends on the grafted layer thickness, where grafting of the thicker PFPE layers results in lower oil and water wettability. We expect that the employment of PFPE-based grafted nanocoatings will eliminate the health and environmental concerns of long perfluoroalkyls, which are typically used to obtain surfaces with decreased spreading of oil and water.

Fluorine-containing nano-objects with the same compositions but different segment distributions: synthesis, characterization and comparison

“…Among all the synthesized polymers, fluoropolymers possess unique properties, such as excellent heat resistance, 1,2 low surface energy [3][4][5] and super oxidation resistance. 2,6 Correspondingly, fluoropolymers are indispensable in modern industry and play an important role in the automotive industry, 7 aerospace, 8,9 construction, 10 high-end equipment manufacturing, electronic information, and new energy strategies.…”

Toward Water and Oil Repellent Coating: Synthesis of Fluorinated Methacrylate-Glycidyl Methacrylate Copolymers

“…Both PGMA and copolymerized films exhibited smooth surfaces, characterized by low roughness values (<4 nm). Notably, the annealing process did not exert a significant influence on surface roughness, maintaining the film surfaces in a smooth state even after annealing …”

“…Notably, the annealing process did not exert a significant influence on surface roughness, maintaining the film surfaces in a smooth state even after annealing. 23 3.6. Wetting Features of P(GMA-co-FMA) Coatings.…”

“…This multifaceted approach addresses fouling challenges across diverse industrial settings, offering a versatile and effective solution. Among low-surface energy materials, fluorinated-based materials (e.g., perfluoro silanes, , perfluoro acids, , and perfluoro polymers − ) are particularly favored for their enhanced oil-repelling characteristics due to their lower surface energy compared to hydrocarbons (CH > CH 2 > CH 3 > CF 2 > CF 2 H > CF 3 ). − Hare et al conducted the synthesis of films by depositing perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) onto metal surfaces. The surface energy of PFDoA films was determined to be 6 mN/m 2 , the lowest among known surface energies.…”