Title: Vinyl Ester Resins modified with Perfluoropolyethers

Authors: Massimo Messori, Francesco Pilati, Maurizio Toselli, Leno Mascia, Claudio Tonelli

Addresses: Universita degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia – Dipartimento di Ingegneria dei Materiali e dell'Ambiente, Via Vignolese 905/A, 41100 Modena, Italy. ' Universita degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia – Dipartimento di Ingegneria dei Materiali e dell'Ambiente, Via Vignolese 905/A, 41100 Modena, Italy. ' Universita degli Studi di Bologna – Dipartimento di Chimica Applicata e Scienza dei Materiali, Viale Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy. ' Institute of Polymer Technology and Materials Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK. ' Solvay-Solexis, Viale Lombardia 20, 20021 Bollate, MI, Italy

Abstract: Hydroxy-terminated Perfluoropolyether (PFPE) was modified by copolymerisation with caprolactone or by addition of carboxylic or methacrylic terminal groups to increase the miscibility towards Vinyl Ester Resins (VERs). Fluorinated oligomers were employed as additives for a commercial VER. Depending on both molecular structure and curing conditions, different morphologies were obtained, which in turn influence the final properties of the cured resin. Generally, a significant increase in toughness was observed as is indicated by the stress intensity factor. A marked decrease in water diffusion coefficient was obtained, thanks to the hydrophobic character of PFPE.

Keywords: PFPE; perfluoropolyether; VER; vinyl ester resins; miscibility; impact resistance; toughness; water absorption; fluorinated oligomers; molecular structure; curing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2008.020501

International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering, 2008 Vol.2 No.3/4, pp.310 - 324

Published online: 27 Sep 2008 *

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