Direct fluorination of polymer final products: From fundamental study to practical application

The results of study of the fundamental features of the direct fluoridation of polymers, physical and chemical properties of the fluorinated layer at the surface and possible application areas of the direct fluoridation are reviewed. The influence of the composition of fluorinating mixture, the process pressure, temperature and duration on the kinetics of formation of the fluorinated layer was investigated. The fluorinated layer composition, density, refraction index and surface energy were measured at the different conditions of the surface treatment. Kinetics of termination of long-lived radicals formed inside the fluorinated layer was studied. The methods of enhancing the barrier properties of fluorinated polyethylene with respect to alcohol-containing fuel, enhancing the gas separation properties of flat membranes and hollow-fiber membrane modules and improving chemical stability of polymer pipes were developed. Possibility to use direct fluorination for reinforcement of polymer composites was demonstrated.