Emulsifier-free latex of fluorinated acrylate copolymer

Emulsifier-free latices of fluorinated acrylate copolymers were prepared by semicontinuous polymerization method, with perfluoroalkylethyl methacrylate (Zonyl TM) as a fluoromonomer. Ultrasonic at 40 kHz was adopted to help monomers disperse well in water. The relationships of polymerization conditions between the final conversion and polymerization stability were discussed in detail and the optimal polymerization condition was given. A fluorinated acrylate copolymer was finally obtained and its Tg was 54 °C. The average particle size of the latex was about 601 nm and the particle size distribution of the latex was narrow. The latex film exhibited a low surface free energy and good surface property. By using 6% Zonyl TM, the water contact angle of the film–air interface increased significantly and reached to 110.2°. Compared with the latex film of fluorine-free polyacrylate prepared under the similar polymerization condition, the fluorinated latex film had a better water-resistance and thermal stability.