Stereochemically-Controlled Fluorinated Copolymers for Selectively Permeable Barrier Applications

Selective oxygen permeability coupled with low water vapor transmission is essential for biomedical and packaging applications requiring controlled oxygen flux under humid conditions. However, most high-performance barrier polymers depend on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), whose persistence and regulatory restrictions limit their long-term applicability. We designed a series of stereocontrolled thiol-yne-based polyesters, including both fluorinated and non-fluorinated variants, for selective oxygen permeability with considerable water barrier performance. Tailoring polymer crystallinity and morphology tuned both oxygen transport and mechanical properties. Fluorinated polymers demonstrated enhanced hydrophobicity and water resistance while maintaining oxygen diffusivity within a range relevant to oxygen-sensing applications. Structure–property relationships were elucidated through small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, revealing semi-crystalline domains influenced by fluorine content and dithiol chain length. Barrier performance was rigorously evaluated via water vapor transmission rate and dynamic vapor sorption, showing reduced water uptake with increasing dithiol monomer length and crystallinity. This work introduces a PFAS-free alternative to conventional barrier materials and establishes a tunable materials platform with potential relevance for biomedical devices and packaging systems requiring controlled oxygen permeability.

Duke Scholars

Author Matthew L Becker Chemistry