Synthesis, thermal and surface characterization of fluorinated polystyrenes

Three styrene derivatives bearing fluoroalkyl substituents in para or (meta/para) positions have been synthesized under phase‐transfer‐catalysis conditions. Homopolymers and copolymers with styrene have been prepared by free‐radical polymerization. The monomer reactivity ratios of each monomer with styrene are determined by the Kelen–Tüdo″s method. The results show that the fluoroalkyl substituent does not significantly affect the reactivity of the styrene double bond. Thermal and surface properties of the copolymers have been examined. Copolymers from the para‐substituted styrene derivative show higher glass transition temperatures (Tg) than those obtained with the mixture of isomers. Low dispersive surface energies (11 < γ SD < 17 mNm‐1) are determined from contact angle data measured with the Wilhelmy plate method. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry