PVDFtä

PVDFtä is a class of polymers derived from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). It designates PVDF-based materials that have been functionalized with side groups, referred to here as tä moieties, to tailor surface properties while retaining the core fluoropolymer characteristics. The term appears in contemporary polymer research as a designation for this family.

Chemically, PVDFtä materials keep the semi-crystalline PVDF backbone; functionalization is achieved by grafting or copolymerization, introducing polar groups along the chain. This modifies polarity, wettability, adhesion, and interfacial compatibility with coatings and other polymers.

Key properties include high chemical resistance and thermal stability similar to PVDF, with tunable surface energy and dielectric behavior. Mechanical strength remains strong, though crystallinity and processability can vary with the degree of functionalization.

Synthesis and processing: PVDFtä can be prepared by post-polymerization grafting onto PVDF backbones or by copolymerization with functional monomers. Processing methods include melt extrusion, solution casting, and membrane fabrication by phase inversion or electrospinning.

Applications: PVDFtä materials are investigated for membranes in water and gas separation, corrosion-resistant coatings, protective films, and dielectric layers in electronics, where tailored interfacial properties can enhance performance.

Limitations and outlook: higher processing viscosity, potential reductions in crystallinity, and cost considerations require optimized formulations. Ongoing research seeks standardized definitions and property ranges for PVDFtä.