Photo‐responsive cellulose nanocrystal modified fluorinated polyacrylate based on coumarin chemistry

Abstract Photo‐responsive cellulose nanocrystal modified fluorinated polyacrylate was synthesized by environmentally friendly RAFT‐mediated Pickering emulsion polymerization using amphiphilic block copolymer modified cellulose nanocrystal poly(acrylic acid)‐ g ‐CNC‐ g ‐poly (hexafluorobutyl acrylate‐ co ‐7‐(2‐methacryloyloxyethoxy)‐4‐methylcoumarin) PAA‐ g ‐CNC‐ g ‐P (HFBA‐ co ‐CMA) (MCNC) as a stabilizer, and the photo‐responsive coumarin groups were introduced to endow it with self‐healing function. This paper mainly studied the effect of MCNC dosage on emulsion polymerization and latex film properties. The latex particle size and its distribution decreased as the MCNC dosage increased from 0.4 wt% to 1.0 wt%, and then increased afterwards. The mechanical property and thermal stability of latex films could be significantly improved by introducing MCNC. And the surface scratches of latex films with MCNC exceeding 0.4 wt% could be completely repaired after 7 h UV irradiation. Furthermore, the photo‐responsive cellulose nanocrystal modified fluorinated polyacrylate emulsion was applied to fabric finishing by dip‐rolling treatment. And the finished fabric had good hydrophobicity, oleophobicity and surface repair performance.