Synthesis and properties of semifluorinated copolymers of oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl methacrylate

Semifluorinated block copolymers of oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (OEGMA) and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl methacrylate (FOMA) were prepared using group transfer polymerization via sequential monomer addition. Wide ranges of copolymers were obtained with good control over both molecular weight and composition by adjusting the monomer/initiator ratio. Analogous statistical copolymers were prepared using radical polymerization in supercritical CO2. The micelle-like aggregates of the block copolymers in water and chloroform were characterized by quasi-elastic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The size and morphology of the aggregates were found to depend on the nature of solvent, temperature, and the copolymer composition. The solubility of copolymers and the formation of hydrated reverse micelles in CO2 were investigated. The block copolymer showed a better ability of solubilizing water in CO2 than the statistical copolymer.