Abstract
Fluoropolymers of several different types (poly(vinylidinene fluoride), alaternating copolymers, perfluorinated ether polyols) are commercially available as coating resins. While all these resins share certain chemical properties (e.g., hydrophobicity), the performance in the area of weathering depends crucially on details of the molecular structure. A number of recent studies have examined the mechanisms by which different fluorinated coatings weather, and have highlighted some ways in which the molecular structure affords photochemical protection that is not possible with conventional polyester or polyurethane coatings. The most weatherable fluoropolymer systems not only meet the most stringent worldwide industry specifications for high performance architectural and protective topcoats, but have demonstrated over thirty years chalk and fade resistance in south-facing Florida exposures.
