Research of Fluorinated Acrylate Copolymer on Flax Fabric

Abstract

A fluorine-containing acrylate copolymer emulsion was prepared in this study, which was applied to finishing linen fabric. Dodecafluloroheptry methacrylate (G04) was used as a modified monomer, butylacrylate (BA) and methylacrylate (MMA) as soft and hard monomers. respectively, and acrylic acid as a functional monomer. Structure and properties of the products were characterised and analyzed by FTIR, TEM, PSD and CA measurements, respectively. The water and air permeability as well as the breaking force of the fabric treated were also investigated. The results showed that the fluorine-containing acrylate copolymer emulsion obtained had a core-shell structure, and the microsphere was of nanoscale size. Because of the latex film on the fabric surface, it became smooth and flat. And the increase in G04 was beneficial to the mechanical properties, waterproofness and antifouling ability of the linen fabric. When the content of G04 were increased from 0% to 20%, the water in the linen sample and hexadecane contact angles to the copolymer film increased from 113.02° to 136.08° and from 65.1° to 87.6°, respectively. Furthermore the breaking force of the linen samples was enhanced from 648 N to 721 N. However, the increasing content of G04 had negative effects on the flexural rigidity as well as water and air permeability of the fabric, which were essential requirements for the fabric’s application. However, the wash resistance was excellent and the wear-resistance of the finished linen fabric was better than the unfinished linen fabric.