Fluoroalkylation of Polyester Surface with Block Copolymers Containing Fluoroalkyl Groups

Abstract

Polyester surface was modified with block copolymers containing fluoroalkyl groups. The surface of the modified polyester was characterized using contact angle measurements of a two-liquid-phase system and ESCA spectroscopy. The fluoroalkyl groups on the polyester surface influenced both dispersive and polar components of surface free energy, and both of them decreased with increasing treating temperature. The surface cover ratios based on the contact angles were linearly correlated to the relative peak intensities of F_1s peak in ESCA spectra and surface free energies as well. The effect of fluoroalkylation on soil release properties of fabrics was also investigated by the washing experiments using squalane, triolein and oleic acid as oily soils. Regardless of the kind of oily soil and washing liquor, the removal first decreased, and then increased with increasing fluorine content. The first decrease was discussed in terms of the work of adhesion between oil and polyester fabric, and the next increase was related to the oil repellency of the fabric.