Synthesis and Characterization of Epoxi Networks Modified with Fluorinated Thermoplastics

M.E. PENOFF; P.A. OYANGUREN; P.E. MONTEMARTINI

Santiago de Chile, Chile

Congreso; Archipol, IV Simposio Chileno-Argentino de Polímeros; 2007

Universidad de Chile y Pontificia Universidad Católica

Curing epoxy resins is one of the most common procedures in synthesis of thermosetting materials. Besides, incorporation of trifluoromethyl (CF3) groups into polymers improves chemical resistance, surface, electrical, mechanical and optical properties of the polymers compared to the non-fluorinated materials. Surface properties are preferably attained by deploying a small number of fluorinated groups on the surface where they will be most effective. In this work we investigate the transformations that take place in a fluorinated thermoplastic (FT) modified material. In particular, we focus on FT enrichment of the polymer-air interface. Fluorinated compounds migration towards the air-polymer interface was confirmed by SEM-EDX analysis. This enrichment occurs as a consequence of the thermodynamic driving force provided by fluorinated species low surface free energy.