Synthesis of fluorinated copolymers and their applications as pressure-responsive materials

Pressure-sensitive paints (PSPs) have been demonstrated to be very important for aerodynamics research. In order to improve the pressure sensitivity and adhesion ability of PSP, herein, a series of fluorine-containing copolymers compositing of an oxygen and pressure-responsive probe derived from platinum(II)-5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)-porphyrin (PtTFPP) named as poly[(tBs)(a)-co-(TFEM)(b)-co-(PtTFPP-1MA)(c)] were synthesized and investigated as PSPs. These PSPs were constructed with different fluorine ratios for the investigation of the effect of fluorine contents on PSPs. Especially, PSP (F-0.33) with the trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEM) molar ratio of 33% in the copolymers could adhere well to the surface of an aircraft model. F-0.33 showed high oxygen sensitivity (I-0/I-100 = 32.87), reasonable response time to oxygen (44 s), high pressure sensitivity (S-P = 0.75%/kPa at 20?) and low temperature response (S-T = -0.77%/? at 100 kPa). F-0.33 was further sprayed on the surface of a delta wing of an aircraft model and its pressure response was verified in a wind tunnel. The data from F-0.33 film at the same wind speed and position were close to the pressure data measured by using traditional method using open pressure holes, showing the potential application of these PSPs.

Automated summary

Pressure-sensitive paints (PSPs) are crucial for aerodynamics research. To enhance the pressure sensitivity and adhesion of PSPs, a series of fluorine-containing copolymers were synthesized and studied. These PSPs were constructed with different fluorine ratios, and PSP (F-0.33) with a trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEM) molar ratio of 33% exhibited excellent adhesion to the surface of an aircraft model. F-0.33 showed high oxygen sensitivity, reasonable response time, high pressure sensitivity, and low temperature response. It was further tested on a delta wing in a wind tunnel and showed similar pressure data to the traditional method using open pressure holes, indicating the potential application of these PSPs.