Anti-fouling amphiphilic surfaces made of norbornene-based fluorinated copolymers
A new class of norbornene-based amphiphilic copolymers combines exceptional anti-fouling properties with mechanical robustness, offering versatile applications in marine and biomedical sectors.
In a breakthrough development, a series of norbornene-based amphiphilic copolymers (PNPFE-PEG-x) have been engineered for superior fouling resistance and mechanical performance. These copolymers, synthesized via living ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), combine norbornene-based fluorinated monomers (NPFE) with poly(ethylene glycol) (NPEG) monomers, allowing for precise control over properties like water absorption, surface wettability, and mechanical strength by adjusting the NPEG content.
Reading Tip: Marine Coatings
Stay updated on the latest in Marine Coatings with the EC Tech Report! This multimedia report covers key developments in anti-fouling formulations, sustainable epoxy binders, and graphene applications. It also includes market insights and trends, along with access to expert articles and conference content. Save time on research and get all the essential updates curated by the EC Tech editorial team. A must-read for industry professionals!
Impressive mechanical and anti-fouling properties of PNPFE-PEG copolymers
The resulting films exhibit impressive mechanical properties, such as a tensile strength of 14.36 MPa and a breaking elongation of 376% for dry PNPFE-PEG-10% films. Even under wet conditions, the films maintain remarkable strength and flexibility, with PNPFE-PEG-50% films showing 8.05 MPa tensile strength and 74.81% breaking elongation after swelling in water. The copolymers also demonstrate excellent anti-fouling capabilities, reducing protein adsorption significantly, with PNPFE-PEG-50% showing the lowest protein adsorption levels, indicating superior resistance to biological fouling.
Additionally, these copolymers possess anti-icing properties, providing functional versatility across diverse applications, including marine anti-fouling and biomedical instruments. This development represents a significant advancement in the creation of durable, anti-fouling surfaces with excellent mechanical properties.
Source: Progress in Organic Coatings Volume 190, May 2024, 108361
