Photopolymerized low-surface-energy coatings based on a novel fluorinated ether acrylate

The synthesis, characterization, and polymerization of a perfluoroalkyl ether substituted methacrylic acid (C8F7) were investigated. C8F7 was photopolymerized at different temperatures, higher double‐bond conversions being achieved at higher polymerization temperatures. The polymerization rates were fast in comparison with those of typical methacrylate esters. Thermogravimetric analysis of the obtained polymers showed thermal stabilities up to 270–290°C. The initial degradation at 200°C involved the loss of water and the partial loss of the perfluoroalcohol via the intramolecular formation of anhydride and lactone groups. The surface properties of coatings obtained with C8F7 coatings on various substrates were evaluated with water and hexadecane contact‐angle measurements, which confirmed that low‐surface‐energy polymeric coatings were obtained. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 3301–3314, 2004