Grantee Research Project Results
Synthesis of Novel Perfluoropolyethers for Utilization in Nontoxic Fouling Release Coatings
EPA Grant Number: U914989Title: Synthesis of Novel Perfluoropolyethers for Utilization in Nontoxic Fouling Release Coatings
Investigators: Bunyard, William C.
Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: January 1, 1996 through January 1, 1999
Project Amount: $102,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1996) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Fellowship - Polymer Chemistry , Academic Fellowships , Safer Chemicals
Objective:
The objective goal of this project is to synthesize new functionalized perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) for use in the design of nontoxic, fouling-release coatings for marine vessels.
Approach:
The approach to the design of these fouling -release coatings has been the development of a new class of highly functionalized PFPEs. These PFPEs are synthesized by the fluoro-olefin photo-oxidation method via the photo-oxidative copolymerization of fluoro-olefins with functionalized perfluoroalkylvinylether monomers. Post-polymerization derivatization of the pendent groups of these materials to polymerizable functionalities provides materials; which these materials can yield cross linked coatings. The PFPE segments furnish both flexibility and low-surface-energy properties to the coatings, thus providing minimally adhesive properties to the desired substrates.
Supplemental Keywords:
fellowship, fouling-release coatings, marine vessels, perfluoropolyethers, PFPEs, nontoxic.Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.