Copolymer films containing amphiphilic side chains of well-defined fluoroalkyl-segment length with biofouling-release potential. Issue 71 (14th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Galli, Giancarlo; Barsi, David; Martinelli, Elisa; Glisenti, Antonella; Finlay, John A.; Callow, Maureen E.; Callow, James A.
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 6:Issue 71(2016)
• Page Start: 67127
• Page End: 67135
• Publication Date: 2016-07-14
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c6ra15104c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : Novel methacrylate copolymers containing polysiloxane (SiMA) and mixed poly(ethyleneglycol)-perfluorohexyl side chains (MEF) were synthesised and dispersed as surface-active additives in crosslinked PDMS films. Abstract : Novel methacrylate copolymers containing polysiloxane (SiMA) and mixed poly(ethyleneglycol)-perfluorohexyl side chains (MEF) were synthesised and dispersed as surface-active additives in crosslinked PDMS films. The amphiphilic behaviour of the copolymers caused surface reconstruction in water which was characterised by dynamic and static contact angle measurements and angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The XPS CF2 /OCH2 ratio between the hydrophobic fluoroalkyl segments and the hydrophilic oxyethylenic segments was high (15/64) for the copolymer richest in MEF (93 mol%), which also had a high percentage of surface fluorine (∼30%). By contrast, an especially low CF2 /OCH2 ratio (0/16) and a low percentage of surface fluorine (∼2%) were identified for the copolymer poorest in MEF (14 mol%). Such large differences in surface chemical composition reflected different antifouling and fouling-release properties against the green macroalga Ulva linza . Generally, the films containing the copolymer with the smallest MEF content were able to resist the settlement of zoospores better than those with a high MEF content and had a superior release of sporelings (young plants).