Design,synthesis, and surface activity of amphiphilic perfluorinated oxazoline polymers

Polymers derived from 2-[2-(perfluoroalkyl)ethyl]-2-oxazolines have been prepared in very good yields with molecular weights up to 50000. The polymers are crystalline with melting temperatures (Tm's) varying from 180 to 232°C depending on the length and type of the perfluorinated side chain, have good thermal stability and are soluble in fluorinated solvents. They are effective as modifiers of surfaces of hydrophilic polymers, such as nylon-6,6, and give acceptable complement activation parameters. Factor C3a (μg/ml) released is 5.3 in contrast to positive control value of 45.2 (activated sepharose) and negative control = 4.8. A 1:1 mixture of 2-octyl-2-oxazoline and 2-[2-(perfluorohexyl)ethyl]-2-oxazoline copolymerize to give a block copolymer that exhibits two separate Tm's. The partially perfluorinated polymers also form stable monolayers at air-water interface.