Mildly Catalyzed Alternating Copolymerization Yields Solution-Processable Fluorinated Polyesters with High Thermal and Surface Performance
Journal
Macromolecules
Journal Volume
58
Journal Issue
22
Start Page
12250
End Page
12263
ISSN
00249297
Date Issued
2025-11-25
Author(s)
Ke, Chun-Yao
Suzuki, Ryota
Gao, Tianle
Li, Feng
Yamamoto, Takuya
Isono, Takuya
Satoh, Toshifumi
Abstract
Fluoropolymers are indispensable for various high-performance applications, mainly due to their exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and low surface energy. However, their environmental persistence, particularly the accumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, poses significant ecological and health challenges. Recent studies have explored the incorporation of ester bonds into fluoropolymers to facilitate their controlled degradation and chemical recycling. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to achieve performance comparable to that of commercial fluoropolymers such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) and polytetrafluoroethylene. Herein, high-performance fluorinated polyesters are synthesized via ring-opening alternating copolymerization employing cesium pivalate as a novel catalyst. This approach enables precise polymerization control and yields fluorinated polyesters with well-defined molecular weights and tunable compositions. The resulting materials exhibit outstanding thermal stability, hydrophobicity, and chemical resistance, with surface properties comparable to those of commercial fluoropolymers. This study advances the development of sustainable fluoropolymers that combine high performance with potential chemical recyclability, thus addressing pressing environmental concerns.
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Type
journal article