Surface modification by fluoroalkyl-functional silanes

Abstract

In the last decade there has been a resurgence of interest in fluorosilicone materials including fluoroalkyl-functional silanes. The various studies concerning surface modification with this type of silane are reviewed. The most commonly studied materials are self-assembled monolayers from trichloro- and trialkoxysilane solutions involving fundamental investigations of wettability, surface tension and surface composition. Adhesion, friction and wear behavior have also been studied. Likely applications are lubricating treatments, adhesion control, textile treatments and other low-soiling coatings. Monofunctional fluoroalkyl-containing silylating agents are also becoming important. Applications for such silanes are developing in the areas of chromatographic separation materials and as XPS surface derivatization reagents.