Advanced studies on synthesis and cure reaction of fluorinated epoxy resin

Abstract

Fluorinated epoxy resins (FERs) were extensively studied for applications in electronic packaging, optical waveguides, and antifouling coatings. This research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of FER following a polycondensation reaction between fluorinated bisphenol and epichlorohydrin. Cure reaction was monitored using dispersive Raman spectroscopy and by calculation of the oxirane groups conversion. After one short postcuring stage, the decomposition temperatures of fluoroepoxy showed increased values with 28–35°C for the samples cured at 50°C. The resultant materials showed excellent fracture morphology, while the presence of fluorine was revealed by energy-dispersive X-ray and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic techniques. Hydrophobic surface was evidenced through the surface energy resulted from contact angle measurements.