Synthesis and Characterization of a Fluorinated Phenolic Resin/phenolic Resin Blend

Fluorine atoms were introduced into the molecular chain of a phenolic resin (PR) by a two-step acid synthesis process to improve its thermal and hydrophobic properties. The successful synthesis of a fluorinated phenolic resin/phenolic resin blend (F-PR/PR) was proven by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance 19F (19F-NMR). The thermal properties of F-PR/PR were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and the results indicate that the F-PR/PR had good thermal stability. The hydrophobic properties of PR were effectively modified as demonstrated by the water drop contact angles. The flexural and tribological properties of F-PR/PR were also investigated. The fluorine atom, by virtue of its electronegativity, size and bond strength with carbon, can be used to create composites from F-PR/PR with remarkable properties. For comparison, two other resin blends were also synthesized.