Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane-Functionalized Perfluorocyclobutyl Aryl Ether Polymers: An Overview of the Synthesis and Properties of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS) Functionalized with Perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) Aryl Ether Polymer Ble

摘要

Perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) aryl ether polymers are semi-fluorinated polymers that produce processable, optically transparent materials for a multitude of materials applications. Incorporating low surface energy polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) into the PFCB polymer matrix produced enhanced hydro- and oleo-phobicity. PFCB polymers functionalized with POSS nanostructures include blends, copolymers, and block copolymers. For copolymers, trifluorovinyl aryl ether (TFVE) POSS monomers were prepared in good yields using an operationally simple corner capping methodology from commercial POSS trisilanols. The surface analysis of POSS functionalized PFCB polymer blends and copolymers using microscopy and optical profilometry showed the POSS structures produced sub-micron to nano-meter roughness that contributes to enhanced water and hexadecane repellency.