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

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, H-1 NMR, F-19 NMR, C-13 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.