CVD Fluoropolymers

This chapter focuses on the hydrophobic character of the fluoropolymers, and the tuning of their morphology and crystallinity that can be achieved by means of chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Synthesis of fluoropolymers by means of CVD is based on the generation of reactive species inside of the vacuum chamber, which induces a free-radical polymerization. These species consist of the monomer itself or a free radical initiator molecule that undergoes thermal decomposition over the heated filaments. Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) has been a conventional method to synthesize PTFE films via vapor phase. The Poly(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl acrylate) (p(PFDA)) side chains with eight perfluorinated carbons, so-called "C8," provide highly desirable initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) surface properties. Conformal coverage of iCVD p(PFDA) was demonstrated on electrospun mats to create superhydrophobic fabrics.