Novel perfluoropolyethers containing 2,2,4-trifluoro-5-trifluoromethoxy-1,3-dioxole blocks: synthesis and characterization

Peroxidic perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) are industrial intermediates used by Solvay Solexis for the preparation of different classes of (per)fluoropolyethers (Fomblin®, Galden®, Solvera®, Fluorolink®). The chemistry of these peroxidic compounds has been recently exploited for the synthesis of novel PFPE block copolymers. In the present work we report the synthesis, the structural and physical–chemical characterization of block copolymers obtained by the reaction of peroxidic PFPEs with 2,2,4-trifluoro-5-trifluoromethoxy-1,3-dioxole, a cyclic homopolymerizable perfluoroolefin. These block copolymers combine the most attractive properties of the PFPEs, like the excellent lubrication, the high thermal stability and the optical transparency, with new specific properties which are related to the perfluorodioxolenic blocks.