A highly transparent, amphiphobic, stable and multi-purpose poly(vinyl chloride) metallopolymer for anti-fouling and anti-staining coatings

Abstract

A highly transparent and stable metallopolymer was obtained using poly(vinyl chloride), ferric chloride hexahydrate and trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate). The prepared metallopolymer dispersion exhibited excellent hydrophobic and oleophobic properties, was highly soft and stable for more than six months, and could form a thin film easily using spin coating and casting techniques. The functional group changed during the reaction was analysed by ultraviolet/visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The surface morphology of the films obtained was analysed by high resolution scanning electron microscopy. The amphiphobic properties of the metallopolymer were investigated by contact angle measurements using water and methylene iodide. The metallopolymer was functionalised further using the silane precursor to improve the transparency, thermal stability, scratch resistance and anti-staining properties. The results highlight the potential use of metallopolymers for a range of applications.