Synthesis and characterization of hybrid fluoro-emulsion based on silica/copolymer composite particles

BACKGROUND: To create a hydrophobic surface, a commonly used two‐step process is the formation of a rough surface and its subsequent modification with materials of low surface energy. Here, a new method for making a hydrophobic surface is proposed using emulsion copolymerization with a low‐surface‐energy fluoropolymer in the presence of a high percentage of silica particles creating a well‐spread roughness. RESULTS: Irregular core–shell structural composite particles such as of snowman shape and sandwich shape were obtained and characterized. The hydrophobicity and chemical structure of the hybrid film were investigated. It was found that strong inter‐ and intramolecular chemical bonding in the composite film may improve the properties of the hybrid film. Enrichment of fluorine on the film surface and well‐distributed roughness due to the silica particles covered by the fluoropolymer contribute to the increased hydrophobicity of the film. The water contact angle on the film increased from 106 ± 2° to 135 ± 2°. CONCLUSION: The stable core–shell hybrid latex synthesized in this work will be of use in preparing high‐performance hydrophobic aqueous coatings. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry