Poly(perfluoroalkyl methacrylate) Film Structures:  Surface Organization Phenomena, Surface Energy Determinations, and Force of Adhesion Measurements

Abstract

The significance of the Liftshitz/van der Waals, Lewis-acid, and Lewis-base contributors to the total surface energy of a homologous series of poly(perfluoroalkyl methacrylate)s is discussed in terms of the molecular design features and surface organization phenomena characterizing these polymeric compounds. The study suggests that, of the molecular design requirements for low-surface-energy polymers, a flexible backbone is not an essential feature.

Ultra‐Low Surface Energy Polymers: The Molecular Design Requirements

“…Thus, the atomic percentages of the two types of backbone carbon, -CH 2 -and -CR-(R = H acrylates; R = CH 3 methacrylates) were significantly lower than those expected for the bulk sample. [23,24] By contrast, the atomic percentages for fluorine and oxygen, both of which are associated with the sidechain, were mildly enhanced. Therefore, for these types of material, the perfluorocarbon side chains segregate preferentially at the surface.…”

Friction coefficient mapping using the atomic force microscope

“…11 For LFM studies, 'V'-shaped silicon nitride Si 3 N 4 cantilevers (L D 100 µm; experimentally determined 10,12,20 spring constant k N for the cantilever used in these experiments was determined by measuring the resonant frequency before and after attachment of a known end-mass.…”

“…20,23 The scan direction was perpendicular to the long axis of the cantilever to allow maximal lateral displacement for enhanced sensitivity. The thickness of the polymer blend was measured by introducing a small scratch on the surface and acquiring a contact mode AFM image at the stepedge (Fig.…”

Adhesion performance and surface characteristics of low surface energy psas fluorinated by UV polymerization

“…This is similar to results reported elsewhere. The lower calculated percentage of F than detected was caused the limits of the instrument and interpenetration [10]. These results suggest that fluorine atoms exist on the surface of PSAs.…”

“…As an aspect of the surface energy property, the surface energy of the constituent groups decreases in the following order: [9]. This suggests that the lower surface free energy of the polymers is controlled by packing of -CF 3 groups [10,11]. However, the applications of fluorine to PSAs are not common on account of their expense and difficulty in applying to a surface.…”