CTFE ternary copolymerization confined in waterborne polyurethane for enhanced mechanical and anti-corrosion performances of fluorocarbon coatings

Metal corrosion presents an inevitable challenge in industrial applications. Waterborne fluorocarbon coatings with an excellent anti-corrosion property, are emerging as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional solvent-based coatings. However, the preparation of fluorocarbon coatings faces problems with substitution of detrimental emulsifiers, poor adhesion, and endurance of corrosion resistance, limiting their wide application in metal defense. Here, we propose a novel approach that utilizing a self-synthesized waterborne polyurethane (WPU) with outstanding properties confined copolymerization of chlorotrifluoroethylene, vinyl acetate, and a special functional monomer UPyMA (methacrylate-loaded ureidopyrimidinone), finally achieving a functional fluorocarbon emulsion. Then, the latex can form a film with multiple dynamic networks resulting from WPU and UPyMA, and the influence of both addition amounts on electrochemical performances of the films was mainly investigated. There UPy groups can coordinate with metal substrate to improve adhesion well to tinplate and inhibit electron migration effectively, thereby delaying the onset of corrosion. As a result, the synergistic effect of above coordination and dynamic network endowed the composite coating with excellent mechanical properties and long-period corrosion resistance. This strategy can avoid the loss of additional functional corrosion inhibitor, showing significant potential application.