New strategies for the synthesis of partially fluorinated acrylic polymers as possible materials for the protection of stone monuments

The conservation of the cultural heritage requires the development of new materials having specific characteristics that encompass particular attention to durability and efficacy. We approached this problem by synthesizing polyacrylic esters containing variable amounts of fluorine in the α-position of the main chain. These products were obtained from the copolymerisation of ammonium 2-fluoroacrylate and acrylic acid. The polyacrylic acids were esterified using different procedures. The polyester characteristics vary in relation to the polymerisation procedures and degree of esterification. The best esterification results, were obtained using a reaction catalyzed by BF₃ or TMSCl. These materials show good properties and are of potential interest for their use as protective agents for stone conservation.