Comparison of surface properties of random, block, and graft copolymers having perfluoroalkyl and silicone-containing side chains.

Fluorosilicone copolymers of random, block, and graft with both perfluoroalkyl and silicone-containing side chains were synthesized, and their surface properties and surface modification effects on PVC film were compared. It can be confirmed that the fluorosilicone copolymers of random, block, and graft exhibit very low surface free energies of 9-13 dyn/cm, depending on the perfluoroalkyl group content and their molecular structure. The inherent surface free energies of the fluorosilicone copolymers are significantly influenced by their molecular structure and perfluoroalkyl group content. It can also be found that the fluorosilicone copolymers are very effective for lowering surface free energy. The surface free energy of a copolymer/PVC blend strongly varies with perfluoroalkyl group content as well as molecular structure. The molecular structure of a fluorosilicone copolymer is as important as the perfluoroalkyl group content for their inherent surface free energies and surface modification of other polymers.