Copolymers of pentafluorophenylhexafluoroisopropyl methacrylate (FPPMA) with trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEMA) were prepared in THF solution and in bulk using azobisisobutyronitrile as a free radical initiator. The monomer reactivity ratios of TFEMA (M1) and FPPMA (M2) were calculated as r1 = 0.55 and r2 = 0.07. The refractive indices of poly(TFEMA) and poly(FPPMA) are very similar as 1.435 and 1.430, respectively, at 532 nm, and the copolymer films were transparent. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the copolymers were in the range of 80–90°C and showed a negative deviation from the Gordon–Taylor equation. The thermal decomposition temperature (Td) was increased with the content of FPPMA in copolymers. Low water absorption for 1:1 FPPMA/TFEMA copolymer was detected. Copolymers of FPPMA with hexafluoroisopropyl methacrylate (HFPMA) were also prepared. The monomer reactivity ratios of HFPMA (M1) and FPPMA (M2) were calculated as r1 = 0.43 and r2 = 0.10. The Tgs of the copolymers were in the range of 88–95°C and showed also a negative deviation from the Gordon–Taylor equation. Tg and Td of the copolymers were increased with the content of FPPMA. The refractive index of poly(HFPMA) (1.384 at 532 nm) is much lower than that of FPPMA homopolymer, but copolymer films obtained were clear and transparent. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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The incorporation of antimicrobial small molecule compounds (JA‐144, TH‐4, and TH‐8) into tapioca starch is investigated as well as their influence on thickness, moisture uptake, gas permeation, morphology, thermal and the mechanical properties of the tapioca films. Unlike TH‐4 and TH‐8, JA‐144 increases in thickness, moisture uptake and gas permeation of the films, when compared with the control film (without antimicrobials). The melt temperature of the control is reduced from 122.63 to 119.84 °C by JA‐144, while TH‐4 and TH‐8 increases them to 126.49 °C and 130.68 °C, respectively. For JA‐144, the X‐ray diffraction show no significant crystallinity change, unlike TH‐4 and TH‐8 that show distinct crystallinity peaks. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis show that JA‐144 has little effect on the glass transition temperature and storage modulus, while TH‐4 and TH‐8 increase storage modulus and the glass transition temperature. Thus, JA‐144 increases flexibility and moisture uptake, but lowers the gas barrier. However, TH‐4 and TH‐8 augment the stiffness and gas barrier properties.