Abstract

A fluorinated acrylate copolymer of dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (FA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) has been synthesized by free radical copolymerization using azobisisobutyronitrile as the catalyst at 75°C for 6hrs in dioxane. The structure of this copolymer was characterized by Fourier transformation infrared spectrum (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), elemental analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

The characteristics and effects of the copolymer as a retanning material have been investigated by measuring such physical/mechanical indexes as the tensile strength, thickness increment ratio, elongation at break, static water resistance and air permeability Instrumental analysis such as scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy spectrum (SEM-EDAX) was also employed. The results indicate that this fluorinated acrylate copolymer tanning agent has good filling cum retanning ability and can improve the treated leather’s physical/mechanical properties and water repellency.