Synthesis, Characterization, Curing and Properties of Carboxyl-Terminated Liquid Fluoropolymers

Abstract

Low molecular weight carboxyl-terminated liquid fluoropolymers with M _n ranged from 2300 to 8000 were prepared by oxidative degradation of VDF-HFP copolymer. The factors to control M _n of liquid fluoropolymers are types and contents of alkaline and oxidants. FTIR, ¹H NMR, ¹⁹F NMR, ¹³C NMR and GPC were used to characterize the structure and M _n of the liquid fluoropolymers. The cure reaction and properties of the carboxyl-terminated liquid fluoropolymers with epoxy resin were discussed. Thermal properties including thermal stability and T _g of these cured fluoropolymer films were also examined. Cured films have good hydrophobic and oleophobic properties, as well as good chemical resistance.

Keywords:

• Curing
• Liquid fluoropolymers
• Oxidative degradation