Environmentally-friendly short-chain perfluoropolyether polyacrylates emulsion films for high water barrier coating applications

Water-based protective coatings have gained wide popularity because of their low toxicity and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions. However, improving water barrier performance is a significant challenge. An environmentally friendly short-chain perfluoropolyether carboxylic acid (PFPE-MMA) material has been synthesized in this study, and a series of PFPE-based polyacrylates were prepared using RAFT miniemulsion copolymerization. The impact of PFPE chains and crystalline stearyl methacrylate (SMA) on the wettability of copolymer latex films and their use in protective coatings were studied. Based on the surface and bulk morphology of latex films, the addition of SMA to PFPE-based polyacrylates promoted PFPE chains to migrate toward the air/film interface, leading to exceptional wettability and water resistance through the matrix, resulting in remarkable water barrier properties. After 192 h, the water absorption ratio of 25% PFPE-7% SMA latex film was 3.98%, while that of 25% PFPE latex film was 6.03%. Not only are PFPE-based polyacrylates excellent protective materials with potential applications, but they are also an effective preparation strategy for improving the high barrier property in waterborne protective coatings. • Environmental-friendly short-chain perfluoropolyether polyacrylates were prepared via RAFT miniemulsion polymerization. • The addition of crystalline octadecyl methacrylate (SMA) into PFPE-based polyacrylates promoted their remarkable water barrier properties. • The synergistic effect in the surface and bulk of latex films which distinctly improved barrier properties were proposed.