ETHYLENICALLY CROSSLINKABLE FLUORINATED POLYMER ADDITIVES FOR ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an ethylenically crosslinkable fluorinated polymer compound and its use as an additive in architectural coating compositions such as water-based latex paints, to provide durable surface effects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The coating compositions of interest in the present invention include alkyd coating compositions, urethane coating compositions, water- dispersible coating compositions, and unsaturated polyester coating compositions, typically a paint, clear coating, or stain. All of the above- listed coating compositions after drying or curing often show low

hexadecane contact angles, are readily wetted by oil, and are susceptible to soiling. The coating compositions are described in Outlines of Paint Technology (Halstead Press, New York, NY, Third edition, 1990) and Surface Coatings Vol. I, Raw Materials and Their Usage (Chapman and Hall, New York, NY, Second Edition, 1984).

Fluorinated polymer compositions are used in the preparation of a wide variety of surface treatment materials to provide surface effects to substrates. Many such compositions are fluorinated acrylate polymers or copolymers which contain predominantly eight or more carbons in the perfluoroalkyi chain to provide the desired properties. Honda, et al., in Macromolecules, 2005, 38, 5699-5705 teach that for perfluoroalkyi chains of greater than 8 carbons, orientation of the perfluoroalkyi groups, designated Rf groups, is maintained in a parallel configuration while for such chains having 6 or less carbons, reorientation occurs. This reorientation is recited to decrease surface properties such as contact angle. Thus, polymers containing shorter perfluoroalkyi chains have traditionally not been commercially successful.

Crosslinkable acrylic polymers have been used as film resins for forming durable coatings. The polymer systems in U.S. Patent 6,727,314 incorporate castor oil methacrylate monomers into homopolymeric or copolymeric resin systems for high-tensile strength films. As such polymeric systems are designed to function as the main coating

components, they typically have molecular weights that prohibit migration to the surface. Additionally, the polymer compounds do not have the required fluorinated and long-chain alkyl hydrophobic functionality to provide cleanability and dirt pickup resistance when used as an additive in a coating composition.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Water-based latex coating bases, such as those employed as paint coatings, have a tendency to have low oil repellency and poor cleanability ratings. To impart better cleanability to interior and exterior paint surfaces, small molecule additives, including fluorosurfactants, have been used. Due to their small molecular size, however, the additives do not provide long-term performance and durability in exterior paint, which is subjected to more extreme environmental conditions. The additives can wash away from the coating surface within a few days.

The present invention addresses the issues described above by introducing polymeric compositions comprised of fluoroalkyi (meth)acrylate copolymers with short perfluoroalkyl groups of 6 or less carbons, incorporating an ethylenically crosslinkable, olefin-containing monomer. Due to the polymeric and crosslinkable nature of the fluoroadditive, the compositions of the present invention provide performance as well as durability to the water-based latex coatings. Additionally, the low

molecular weight allows the polymers to migrate to the coating surface before crosslinking to form a durable additive at the coating surface. The polymers of the invention impart unexpectedly desirable surface effects such as: increased water and oil contact angles, enhanced dirt pickup resistance, and enhanced cleanability to the coating films.

The present invention comprises a crosslinkable polymer

compound comprising the repeat Units A and D, and optionally comprising one or more of Units B, C, or E, in any order:

Unit A Unit B Unit C Unit D Unit E wherein

R _f is a straight or branched-chain perfluoroalkyl group of 2 to 20 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more ether oxygens -0-

, -CH ₂ -, -CFH-, or combinations thereof; A is 0, S, or N(R'), wherein R' is

H or an alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; Q is a straight chain, branched chain or cyclic structure of alkylene, arylene, aralkylene, sulfonyl, sulfoxy, sulfonamido, carbonamido, carbonyloxy, urethanylene, ureylene, or combinations of such linking groups; v is 0 or 1 ; R ¹ is H or CH3; R ² is independently selected from H or an alkyl of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; Z is a hydrophilic group selected from a hydroxyl- terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; hydroxyl-, hydroxyalkyl-, thiol-, or amine-terminated straight or branched alkoxylate having 2 to 20 alkoxylate repeat units; thiol-terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; or an amine-containing straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; M is H, HN(R ⁵ )3, Na, Li, Cs, K, or mixtures thereof; R ⁵ is H or an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R ³ is a straight or branched alkyl chain of 2 to 30 carbons having 1 to 15 olefinic units, or mixtures thereof; Y is selected from -CH2O-, - C(0)0-, -OC(O)-, -R ⁶ OC(0)-, or -C(0)OR ⁶ 0-; R ⁶ is a straight or branched alkylene of 1 to 10 carbons; R ⁴ is a straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic structure alkyl group of 1 to 30 carbons; Unit A is present in an amount of 10 to 60 mol %; Unit B is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol %; Unit C is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol %; Unit D is present in an amount of 1 to 90 mol%; and Unit E is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol%; wherein the sum of monomer repeat units is equal to 100%.

The present invention further comprises a composition comprising (a) a coating base selected from a water-dispersed coating, an epoxy polymer coating, an alkyd coating, a Type I urethane coating, or an unsaturated polyester coating; and

(b) a crosslinkable polymer compound comprising the repeat Units A and D, and optionally comprising one or more of Units B, C, or E, in any order wherein the composition comprises coating base (a) in an amount of from about 95 to 99.98% and crosslinkable polymer compound (b) in an amount of from about 0.02 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of (a) and (b); Rf is a straight or branched-chain perfluoroalkyl group of 2 to 20 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more ether oxygens -0-, -CH ₂ - -CFH-, or combinations thereof; A is O, S, or N(R'), wherein R' is H or an alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; Q is a straight chain, branched chain or cyclic structure of alkylene, arylene, aralkylene, sulfonyl, sulfoxy, sulfonamido, carbonamido, carbonyloxy, urethanylene, ureylene, or combinations of such linking groups; v is 0 or 1 ; R ¹ is H or Chta; R ² is independently selected from H or an alkyl of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; Z is a hydrophilic group selected from a hydroxyl- terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; hydroxyl-, hydroxyalkyl-, thiol-, or amine-terminated straight or branched alkoxylate having 2 to 20 alkoxylate repeat units; thiol-terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; or an amine-containing straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; M is H, HN(R ⁵ )3, Na, Li, Cs, K, or mixtures thereof; R ⁵ is H or an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R ³ is a straight or branched alkyl chain of 2 to 30 carbons having 1 to 15 olefinic units, or mixtures thereof; Y is selected from -CH2O-, - C(0)0-, -OC(O)-, -R ⁶ OC(0)-, or -C(0)OR ⁶ 0-; R ⁶ is a straight or branched alkylene of 1 to 10 carbons; R ⁴ is a straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic structure alkyl group of 1 to 30 carbons; Unit A is present in an amount of 10 to 60 mol %; Unit B is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol %; Unit C is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol %; Unit D is present in an amount of 1 to 90 mol%; and Unit E is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol%; wherein the sum of monomer repeat units is equal to 100%. In another embodiment, the invention comprises a method of forming a coating comprising

(a) contacting a coating base with a crosslinkable polymer compound comprising the repeat Units A and D, and optionally comprising one or more of Units B, C, or E, in any order, to form a coating

composition;

wherein Rf is a straight or branched-chain perfluoroalkyl group of 2 to 20 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more ether oxygens -0- , -CH ₂ -, -CFH-, or combinations thereof; A is 0, S, or N(R'), wherein R' is

H or an alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; Q is a straight chain, branched chain or cyclic structure of alkylene, arylene, aralkylene, sulfonyl, sulfoxy, sulfonamido, carbonamido, carbonyloxy, urethanylene, ureylene, or combinations of such linking groups; v is 0 or 1 ; R ¹ is H or Chta; R ² is independently selected from H or an alkyl of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; Z is a hydrophilic group selected from a hydroxyl- terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; hydroxyl-, hydroxyalkyl-, thiol-, or amine-terminated straight or branched alkoxylate having 2 to 20 alkoxylate repeat units; thiol-terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; or an amine-containing straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; M is H, HN(R ⁵ )3, Na, Li, Cs, K, or mixtures thereof; R ⁵ is H or an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R ³ is a straight or branched alkyl chain of 2 to 30 carbons having 1 to 15 olefinic units, or mixtures thereof; Y is selected from -CH2O-, - C(0)0-, -OC(O)-, -R ⁶ OC(0)-, or -C(0)OR ⁶ 0-; R ⁶ is a straight or branched alkylene of 1 to 10 carbons; R ⁴ is a straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic structure alkyl group of 1 to 30 carbons; Unit A is present in an amount of 10 to 60 mol %; Unit B is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol %; Unit C is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol %; Unit D is present in an amount of 1 to 90 mol%; and Unit E is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol%; wherein the coating base is selected from a water-dispersed coating, an epoxy polymer coating, an alkyd coating, a Type I urethane coating, or an unsaturated polyester coating wherein the coating composition comprises the coating base in an amount of from about 95 to 99.98% and the crosslinkable polymer compound in an amount of from about 0.02 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the coating base and crosslinkable polymer compound; and the sum of monomer repeat units is equal to 100%;

(b) applying the coating composition to a substrate to form a coating film; and

(c) subsequently polymerizing the olefinic units of Unit D in the coating film.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Herein trademarks are shown in upper case.

The terms "(meth)acrylic" or "(meth)acrylate" indicate, respectively, methacrylic and/or acrylic, and methacrylate and/or acrylate; and the term (meth)acrylamide indicates methacrylamide and/or acrylamide.

By the term "alkyd coating" as used hereinafter is meant a conventional liquid coating based on alkyd resins, typically a paint, clear coating, or stain. The alkyd resins are complex branched and cross-linked polyesters containing unsaturated aliphatic acid residues.

By the term "urethane coating" as used hereinafter is meant a conventional liquid coating based on Type I urethane resins, typically a paint, clear coating, or stain. Urethane coatings typically contain the reaction product of a polyisocyanate, usually toluene diisocyanate, and a polyhydric alcohol ester of drying oil acids. Urethane coatings are classified by ASTM D16 into five categories. Type I urethane coatings contain a minimum of 10% by weight of a pre-reacted autoxidizable binder, characterized by the absence of significant amounts of free isocyanate groups. These are also known as uralkyds, urethane-modified alkyds, oil-modified urethanes, urethane oils, or urethane alkyds. Type I urethane coatings are the largest volume category of polyurethane coatings and include paints, clear coatings, or stains. The cured coating for a Type I urethane coating is formed by air oxidation and polymerization of the unsaturated drying oil residue in the binder.

By the term "unsaturated polyester coating" as used hereinafter is meant a conventional liquid coating based on unsaturated polyester resins, dissolved in monomers and containing initiators and catalysts as needed, typically as a paint, clear coating, stain, or gel coat formulation.

By the term "water-dispersed coatings" as used herein is meant surface coatings intended for the decoration or protection of a substrate, comprising essentially an emulsion, latex, or suspension of a film-forming material dispersed in an aqueous phase, and optionally containing surfactants, protective colloids and thickeners, pigments and extender pigments, preservatives, fungicides, freeze-thaw stabilizers, antifoam agents, agents to control pH, coalescing aids, and other ingredients.

Water-dispersed coatings are exemplified by, but not limited to, pigmented coatings such as latex paints, unpigmented coatings such as wood sealers, stains, and finishes, coatings for masonry and cement, and water- based asphalt emulsions. For latex paints the film forming material is a latex polymer of acrylate acrylic, styrene acrylic, vinyl-acrylic, vinyl, or a mixture thereof. Such water-dispersed coating compositions are described by C. R. Martens in "Emulsion and Water-Soluble Paints and Coatings" (Reinhold Publishing Corporation, New York, NY, 1965).

By the term "coating base" as used herein is meant a liquid formulation of a water-dispersed coating, an epoxy polymer coating, an alkyd coating, a Type I urethane coating, or an unsaturated polyester coating, which is later applied to a substrate for the purpose of creating a lasting film on said surface. The coating base includes those solvents, pigments, fillers, and functional additives found in a conventional liquid coating. For example, the coating base formulation may include a polymer resin and pigment dispersed in water, where the polymer resin is an acrylic polymer latex, vinyl-acrylic polymer, vinyl polymer, Type I urethane polymer, alkyd polymer, epoxy polymer, or unsaturated polyester polymer, or mixtures thereof.

The present invention comprises a crosslinkable polymer

compound comprising the repeat Units A and D, and optionally comprising one or more of Units B, C, or E, in any order:

Unit A Unit B Unit C Unit D Unit E wherein R _f is a straight or branched-chain perfluoroalkyi group of 2 to 20 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more ether oxygens -0- , -CH ₂ -, -CFH-, or combinations thereof; A is 0, S, or N(R'), wherein R' is

H or an alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; Q is a straight chain, branched chain or cyclic structure of alkylene, arylene, aralkylene, sulfonyl, sulfoxy, sulfonamido, carbonamido, carbonyloxy, urethanylene, ureylene, or combinations of such linking groups; v is 0 or 1 ; R ¹ is H or CH3; R ² is independently selected from H or an alkyl of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; Z is a hydrophilic group selected from a hydroxyl- terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; hydroxyl-, hydroxyalkyl-, thiol-, or amine-terminated straight or branched alkoxylate having 2 to 20 alkoxylate repeat units; thiol-terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; or an amine-containing straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; M is H, HN(R ⁵ )3, Na, Li, Cs, K, or mixtures thereof; R ⁵ is H or an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R ³ is a straight or branched alkyl chain of 2 to 30 carbons having 1 to 15 olefinic units, or mixtures thereof; Y is selected from -CH2O-, - C(0)0-, -OC(O)-, -R ⁶ OC(0)-, or -C(0)OR ⁶ 0-; R ⁶ is a straight or branched alkylene of 1 to 10 carbons; R ⁴ is a straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic structure alkyl group of 1 to 30 carbons; Unit A is present in an amount of 10 to 60 mol %; Unit B is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol %; Unit C is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol %; Unit D is present in an amount of 1 to 90 mol%; and Unit E is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol%; wherein the sum of monomer repeat units is equal to 100%.

The (meth)acrylate copolymers comprise two or more repeating units derived from monomers from each of five groups. Monomers forming Unit A are fluorinated monomers such as perfluoroalkylalkyl (meth)acrylates, monomers forming Unit B are hydrophilic monomers such as hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates or alkoxylated (meth)acrylates, monomers forming Unit C are acidic monomers such as (meth)acrylic acid which are optionally neutralized to form a salt, monomers forming Unit D are olefin- group-containing monomers such as fatty acid (meth), and monomers forming Unit E are hydrophobic monomers such as alkyl (meth)acrylates. The repeating units of the crosslinkable polymer compound can occur in any random, block, or other sequence in the proportions described above.

The crosslinkable polymer compound contains repeat units from at least Units A and D. In one embodiment, Unit A is present from about 10 to about 60 mol%; in another embodiment, Unit A is present from about 25 to about 55 mol %; and in a third embodiment, Unit A is present from about 30 to about 50 mol %. In one embodiment, Unit D is present from about 1 to about 90 mol%; in another embodiment, Unit D is present from about 2 to 40 mol%; and in a third embodiment, Unit D is present from about 2 to about 15 mol%. In one embodiment, Unit C is also present. In this case, Unit C is present in an amount of at least 0.1 mol %; in another embodiment, Unit C is present from about 1 to about 60 mol %; and in a third embodiment, Unit C is present from about 20 mol % to about 60 mol%. In one embodiment, Unit B is also present in the polymer composition in an amount of at least 0.1 mol %; in another embodiment, Unit B is present from about 0.1 to about 60 mol %; and in a third embodiment, Unit B is present from about 10 to about 30 mol %. In another embodiment, Unit E is present in the polymer composition in an amount of at least 0.1 mol %; in another embodiment, Unit E is present from about 0.1 to about 60 mol %; and in a third embodiment, Unit E is present from about 10 to about 30 mol %. In another embodiment, at least four of Units A, B, C, D, or E are present; and in yet a further embodiment, all five of Units A, B, C, D, and E are present.

The crosslinkable copolymer compound must have a molecular weight high enough to provide cleanability and durability but low enough to allow the polymer molecules to migrate to the surface through the coating medium during the drying process. In one embodiment, the number average molecular weight M _n is about 1500 to about 30,000 Daltons; in a second embodiment, the number average molecular weight M _n is about 5000 to about 20,000 Daltons; and in a third embodiment, the number average molecular weight M _n is about 8000 to about 15,000 Daltons. In one embodiment, the weight average molecular weight M _w is about 5000 to about 60,000 Daltons; in a second embodiment, the weight average molecular weight M _w is about 8000 to about 30,000 Daltons; and in a third embodiment, the weight average molecular weight M _w is about 10,000 to about 20,000 Daltons. The polydispersity index (PDI) may be about 1 .0 to about 3.0; in another embodiment, about 1 .1 to about 2.0, and in a third embodiment, about 1 .2 to about 1 .9. In another embodiment, the crosslinkable polymer is a hyperbranched polymer that results from the copolymerization with a monomer with at least two ethylenic unsaturated groups. In this case, the M _w can be up to 300,000, and PDI may be up to 6.0.

Fluorinated (meth)acrylate monomers useful for forming Unit A are synthesized from the corresponding alcohols. These fluorinated

(meth)acrylate compounds are prepared by either esterification of the corresponding alcohol with (meth)acrylic acid or by transesterification with methyl (meth)acrylate. Such preparations are well-known in the art.

Preferably, R _f in Unit A is a straight or branched-chain perfluoroalkyl group predominately containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more -CH ₂ - or -CFH- groups. More particularly, R _f is a straight chain perfluoroalkyl group of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and in another embodiment, 4 to about 6 carbon atoms. One preferred

embodiment of the monomer forming Unit A is a perfluoroalkylethyl (meth)acrylate having the formula:

F(CF ₂ CF ₂ ) _m C ₂ H ₄ OC(O)-C(R)=CH ₂ wherein m is 1 to about 3 or a mixture thereof, and preferably

predominately 2 to about 3 or a mixture thereof, and R is H or methyl.

Examples of suitable linking groups Q in Unit A include straight chain, branched chain or cyclic structures of alkylene, arylene, alkoxy, aralkylene, sulfonyl, sulfoxy, sulfonamido, carbonamido, carbonyloxy, urethanylene, ureylene, and combinations of such linking groups such as sulfonamidoalkylene. In one embodiment, Q is a straight chain alkylene of 1 to about 15 carbon atoms or -CONR'(CnH2n)-, the (C _n H _2n ) group is linear or branched, and preferably is linear. In this case, n is 1 to 14. Within moiety A and Q, the alkyl in R' is linear or branched. In one embodiment, Q is a straight or branched alkylene of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and in a second embodiment, Q is a straight or branched alkylene of 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Mixtures of fluorinated monomers may also be used.

Suitable fluorinated alcohols capable of forming the fluorinated (meth)acrylate monomers include but are not limited to

C4F ₉ S02NH(CH2) ₃ OH, C6Fi ₃ S0 ₂ NH(CH2)30H, C ₈ Fi ₇ S02NH(CH2)30H, C4F ₉ S02NH(CH2) ₂ OH, C6Fi ₃ S0 ₂ NH(CH2)20H, C ₈ Fi ₇ S02NH(CH2)20H, C4F ₉ S02N(CH3)(CH2)20H, C6Fi3S0 ₂ N(CH ₃ )(CH2)20H,

C8Fi7S02N(CH ₃ )(CH2)20H, C4F ₉ CH2CF2S02NH(CH2)30H,

C ₃ F ₇ OCF2CF2S02NH(CH2)30H, C4F ₉ CH2CH2CF2CF ₂ S02NH(CH2)30H, C4F ₉ OCFHCH2CH ₂ S02NH(CH2)30H, C4F ₉ S02CH2CH ₂ NH(CH2)30H, C6Fi3S02CH2CH ₂ NH(CH2)30H, C ₈ Fi ₇ S02CH2CH2NH(CH2)30H,

C4F ₉ CH2CH2S02NHCH2CH ₂ OH, C6F13CH2CH2SO2NHCH2CH2OH, C8F17CH2CH2SO2NHCH2CH2OH, C4F ₉ CH ₂ CH2S02N(CH ₃ )CH2CH20H, C6Fi3CH2CH2S02N(CH3)CH2CH ₂ OH,

C8Fi7CH2CH2S02N(CH3)CH2CH ₂ OH, C ₄ F ₉ (CH ₂ )20H, C6Fi ₃ (CH ₂ )20H, C ₈ Fi7(CH2)20H, C ₄ F ₉ OH, CeFisOH, C ₈ Fi ₇ OH, C4F ₉ CH2CH2CH ₂ OH, C6F13CH2CH2CH2OH, C ₄ F ₉ CH ₂ OH, C6F13CH2OH,

C4F ₉ CH2CF2CH2CH ₂ OH, C6F13CH2CF2CH2CH2OH,

C4F ₉ CH2CF2CH2CF2CH2CH ₂ OH, C6F13CH2CF2CH2CF2CH2CH2OH, C3F7OCF2CF2CH2CH2OH, C2F5OCF2CF2CH2CH2OH,

CF3OCF2CF2CH2CH2OH, C3F7(OCF2CF2)2CH2CH ₂ OH,

C2F5(OCF2CF2)2CH2CH ₂ OH, CF ₃ (OCF2CF2)2CH2CH ₂ OH,

C3F7OCHFCF2OCH2CH2OH, C2F5OCHFCF2OCH2CH2OH,

CF3OCHFCF2OCH2CH2CH2OH, C3F7OCHFCF2OCH2CH2CH2OH,

C2F5OCHFCF2OCH2CH2CH2OH, CF3OCHFCF2OCH2CH2OH,

C4F ₉ CH2CH2SCH2CH ₂ OH, C6F13CH2CH2SCH2CH2OH, C4F ₉ SCH ₂ CH ₂ OH, C6F13SCH2CH2OH, C4F ₉ CH2CH2CF2CF2CH2CH ₂ OH, C3F ₇ OCF(CF3)C(0)NHCH2CH20H,

C3F ₇ OCF(CF3)C(0)N(CH3)CH2CH20H, C4F9NHC(0)NHCH2CH ₂ OH, C6Fi3NHC(0)NHCH2CH ₂ OH, HCF2(CF2)4CH ₂ OH, HCF2(CF2)6CH ₂ OH, HCF2(CF2)8CH20H, similar variations thereof, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of monomers used to form Unit B include (meth)acrylates containing a hydrophilic pendant group selected from hydroxyl-terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; hydroxyl- hydroxyalkyl-, thiol-, or am ine-term inated straight or branched alkoxylate having 2 to 20 alkoxylate repeat units; thiol-terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; or an amine-containing straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons. Suitable examples include, but are not limited to, one or more hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates, alkyloxy (meth)acrylates, or poly(alkylene glycol) (meth)acrylates. Suitable hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates have alkyl chain lengths of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and include 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl acrylate, and 3- hydroxypropyl methacrylate. In one embodiment, R ² is H or alkyl radical of 1 to 2 carbon atoms. Where Unit B is formed from one or more

alkoxylated (meth)acrylates or poly(alkylene glycol) (meth)acrylates, suitable monomers may contain between 1 and 40 oxyalkylene units per molecule. In another embodiment, monomers contain from 2 to 20 oxyalkylene units per molecule, and in a third embodiment, from 4 to 12 oxyalkylene units per molecule. Such monomers include but are not limited to ethyltriethyleneglycol (meth)acrylate, ethoxylated

(meth)acrylates, poly(ethylene glycol) (meth)acrylates, poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (meth)acrylates, propoxylated (meth)acrylates, poly(propylene glycol) (meth)acrylates, or poly(propylene glycol) methyl ether (meth)acrylates. Thiol-terminated or am ine-term inated monomers of similar types can also be used, and are synthesized according to conventional methods.

In one embodiment, the monomers used to form Unit C are acrylic acid or methacrylic acid; and M is H, HN(R ⁵ )3, Na, Li, Cs, K, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, M is NH ₄ or Na, or a mixture thereof. Repeat units of Unit C can be formed by neutralizing the copolymer with a base, including but not limited to alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal carbonates, ammonia, alkyl amines, or alkanolamines.

In one embodiment, the monomers used to form Unit D are at least one vinylic or (meth)acrylic monomer having a straight or branched alkyl chain of 2 to 30 carbons and having 1 to 15 olefinic units. In one embodiment, the alkyl chain contains 2 to 22 carbons, and in a third embodiment, the alkyl chain contains 3 to 18 carbons. The alkyl chains may contain 1 to 15 olefinic units but in another embodiment may contain 1 to 6 olefinic units, and in a third embodiment may contain 1 to 3 olefinic units. Such monomers may be formed from the reaction of hydroxyl- terminal (meth)acrylates or allylic compounds with fatty acids or its esters. Fatty acids may include but are not limited to oleic acid, linoleic acid, ricinoleic acid, erucic acid, palmitoleic acid, vaccenic acid, eicosenoic acid, eladic acid, eurucicic acid, nervonic acid, pinolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexanoic acid, eicosadienoic acid, docosatetranoic acid, and mixtures thereof. Specific examples of monomers used to form Unit D include but are not limited to oleic

(meth)acrylate, linoleic (meth)acrylate, palmitic methyl ester, soybean oil methyl ester, sunflower oil methyl ester, oleic ethyl (meth)acrylate, ricinoleic (meth)acrylate, erucic (meth)acrylate, palmitoleic (meth)acrylate, vaccenic (meth)acrylate, eicosenoic (meth)acrylate, eladic (meth)acrylate, eurucicic (meth)acrylate, nervonic (meth)acrylate, pinolenic

(meth)acrylate, arachidonic (meth)acrylate, eicosapentaenoic

(meth)acrylate, docosahexanoic (meth)acrylate, eicosadienoic

(meth)acrylate, docosatetranoic (meth)acrylate, and versions of the same having different chain lengths.

Unit E may be formed from (meth)acrylic monomers having pendant straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic structure alkyl groups of 1 to 30 carbons. In one embodiment, the alkyl groups contain 1 to 22 carbons, and in a third embodiment, the alkyl groups contain 6 to 22 carbons. Specific examples of such monomers include but are not limited to stearyl (meth)acrylate, tridecyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, 2- ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, hexyl (meth)acrylate, octyl (meth)acrylate, decyl (meth)acrylate, isodecyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, palmitic (meth)acrylate, caprylic (meth)acrylate, captric (meth)acrylate, mysteric (meth)acrylate, arachidic (meth)acrylate, behenic (meth)acrylate, lignoceric (meth)acrylate, or cetyl (meth)acrylate.

The crosslinkable polymer compound may or may not further comprise additional repeat units outside of the Units A to E, resulting from the use of additional monomers. Suitable monomers are ethylenically- unsaturated monomers, including but not limited to, amine monomers such as diethylaminoethyl acrylate and/or dimethylaminoethyl

methacrylate, glycidyl (meth)acrylates, aminoalkyl methacrylate

hydrochloride, acrylamide, alkyl acrylamides, or n-methylol

(meth)acrylamide. When no additional repeat units outside of Units A to E are used, then the sum A + B + C + D + E is equal to 100 mol%. When additional repeat units are present, then the sum A + B + C + D + E + any additional monomer repeat units is equal to 100 mol%.

The fluoropolymers in the present invention are prepared by polymerization of the fluorinated and pendant olefin-containing monomers. The polymerization process comprises contacting the fluorinated and non- fluorinated (meth)acrylate monomers as defined hereinabove in an organic solvent in the presence of a free radical initiator, chain transfer agent, and optionally other monomers in an inert atmosphere. For example, the monomers can be mixed in a suitable reaction vessel equipped with an agitation device. A heating source and a cooling source are provided as necessary. In a typical process, the fluorinated and pendant olefin- containing monomers are combined in the reaction vessel with the solvent and chain transfer agent to provide a reaction mixture, and the reaction mixture is heated to an appropriate temperature, e.g. 80 °C. Alternatively, the monomers may be fed one at a time, or in a mixture, to an existing solution in a reaction vessel at a selected feed rate. In this embodiment, the existing solution in the reaction vessel may contain the solvent; the solvent and chain transfer agent; or the solvent, chain transfer agent, and one or more monomers. In another embodiment, the chain transfer agent may be fed alone, or in a mixture with one or more monomers, to an existing solution in a reaction vessel at a selected feed rate. In this embodiment, the existing solution in the reaction vessel may contain the solvent; the solvent and one or more monomers; or the solvent, one or more monomers, and the initiator. In each embodiment, the initiator may be included in the existing solution or may be fed into the reactor at a later time.

Temperatures in the range of 20-90 °C may be suitable where organic peroxides or azo compounds are used, depending, for example, on the choice of organic solvent and the choice of free radical initiator. Temperatures of 0-50 °C are suitable where oxidation-reduction (redox) initiators are used. The free radical initiator is typically added after the reaction mixture has reached the appropriate reaction or activation temperature.

Suitable free radical initiators include organic peroxides and azo compounds. Examples of particularly useful organic peroxides are benzoyl peroxide, f-butyl peroxide, acetyl peroxide, and lauryl peroxide. Examples of particularly useful azo compounds include 2,2'-azobis(2- amidinopropane dihydrochloride, 2,2'-azobis(isobutyramidine)

dihydrochloride, and azodiisobutylronitnle. Azo initiators are commercially available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, DE, under the name of "VAZO".

Suitable redox initiators include potassium or ammonium

peroxydisulfate; combinations of peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide with Fe ²⁺ , Cr ²⁺ , V ²⁺ , Ti ³⁺ , Co ²⁺ , Cu ⁺ ; combinations of HSOs ^" , SOs ^2" , S2O3 ² -, or S2O5 ^2" with Ag ⁺ , Cu ²⁺ , Fe ³⁺ ' CIO ^3" , or H2O2; combinations of organic alcohols with Ce ⁴⁺ , V ⁵⁺ , Cr ⁶⁺ , or Mn ³⁺ ; and combinations of

peroxydiphosphate compounds with Ag ⁺ , V ⁵⁺ , or Co ²⁺ . Such systems may be used when low temperature or rapid activation is desirable.

The free radical initiator is generally added over a period of time after the reaction monomers have dissolved in the solvent and/or after the reaction mixture is at the desired temperature. The radical initiator is added in an effective amount. By an "effective amount" of a radical initiator is meant an amount sufficient to initiate the reaction between the monomers and preferably to sustain the reaction for a sufficient period of time to maximize yield of the polymer product. An effective amount of initiator will vary with the exact composition and reaction conditions used. An effective amount of initiator for a given set of conditions is easily determined experimentally by one skilled in the art.

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise residue from a chain transfer agent, also known as a polymerization regulator. The term "residue" is herein defined as the portion of the chain transfer agent structure that is covalently bonded to the polymer molecule. The total polymer reaction mixture may also include some polymer molecules that do not contain the chain transfer agent residue.

The chain transfer agent can be used in amounts to limit or control the molecular weight of the fluoropolymer, typically in amounts of about 1 to 25 mol%, preferably about 2 to 20 mol%, more preferably about 3 to 15 mol%, and most preferably 5 to 10 mol%, based on the total amount of chain transfer agent and monomers employed. In one embodiment, hydrophilic chain transfer agents with the formula (I):

are used, wherein g is 1 or 2; X is a linear or branched alkylene of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, optionally substituted with one or more hydrophilic functional groups selected from hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amine; and Y is a hydrophilic functional group selected from hydroxyl, carboxyl, thiol, or amine. Where g=2, the chain transfer agents are disulfide compounds of the formula Y-X-S-S-X-Y. Suitable chain transfer agents include but are not limited to dodecanethiol, thioglycerol, mercaptoethanol, thioglycolic acid, dithioerythritol, 2-mercaptopropionic acid, and 3-mercaptopropionic acid, or mixtures thereof.

Suitable solvents are alkanes, alcohols and ketones having boiling points of less than 130°C. Suitable organic solvents useful in the preparation of the fluoropolymer include methyl isobutyl ketone, butyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, isopropanol, ethyl acetate, methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, cyclohexane, hexane, dioxane, hexafluoroisopropanol, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

Cyclohexane, isopropanol, methyl isobutyl ketone, or mixtures thereof are preferred. Blends of isopropanol and methyl isobutyl ketone are particularly preferred, since both solvents form azeotropes with water boiling below 100°C, facilitating their removal from the final aqueous dispersion. Blends of organic solvents with other types of co-solvents, including water, may also be used. Preferred are isopropanol /methyl isobutyl ketone blends containing between about 20% and about 80% of methyl isobutyl ketone.

The copolymer as described above used in the method of the present invention may be in the form of an aqeous dispersion, aqueous emulsion, organic solvent-based dispersion or emulsion, or organic solvent-based solution. In one aspect, the polymer is in the form of an aqueous dispersion. After the polymerization is complete, as can be monitored by ¹ H NMR, the acidic polymer solution can be neutralized using a basic water solution to form an aqueous dipserion. The amount of base necessary is calculated by assuming complete salt formation of all acid functionalities. Optionally 0 - 5% mole percent excess of base is added to ensure conversion of all acid to salt. The final pH of the emulsion is between about 6 and about 9, and preferably is between 6 and 8. The bases suitable for the neutralization are alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal carbonates, ammonia, alkyl amines, or alkanolamines.

Ammonia solution is preferred. Following neutralization, the organic solvents may be removed by distillation to form a completely aqueous system.

The fluoropolymer composition produced as described above may be used directly in a coating composition, or added solvent (the

"application solvent") may be added to achieve a desirable solids content. The application solvent is typically a solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohols and ketones.

The fluoropolymer composition is useful as a coating additive, wherein the fluoropolymer composition can be added to a coating base, which is applied to a substrate. When the coating is applied to a substrate, the additive compound is allowed to first migrate to the surface and subsequently crosslink to form a durable oil-, dirt-, and water-repellent surface.

Thus, the present invention provides a composition comprising (a) a coating base selected from a water-dispersed coating, an epoxy polymer coating, an alkyd coating, a Type I urethane coating, or an unsaturated polyester coating; and (b) a crosslinkable polymer compound comprising the repeat Units A or D, and optionally comprising one or more of Units B, C, and E, in any order, wherein the composition comprises (a) in an amount of from about 95 to 99.98% and (b) in an amount of from about 0.02 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of (a) and (b); Rf is a straight or branched-chain perfluoroalkyl group of 2 to 20 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more ether oxygens -0-, -CH ₂ - -CFH-, or combinations thereof; A is O, S, or N(R'), wherein R' is H or an alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; Q is a straight chain, branched chain or cyclic structure of alkylene, arylene, aralkylene, sulfonyl, sulfoxy, sulfonamido, carbonamido, carbonyloxy, urethanylene, ureylene, or combinations of such linking groups; v is 0 or 1 ; R ¹ is H or Chta; R ² is independently selected from H or an alkyl of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; Z is a hydrophilic group selected from a hydroxyl-terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; hydroxyl- hydroxyalkyl- thiol-, or am ine-term inated straight or branched alkoxylate having 2 to 20 alkoxylate repeat units; thiol-terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; or an amine-containing straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; M is H, HN(R ⁵ )3, Na, Li, Cs, K, or mixtures thereof; R ⁵ is H or an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R ³ is a straight or branched alkyl chain of 2 to 30 carbons having 1 to 15 olefinic units, or mixtures thereof; Y is selected from -CH2O-, -C(0)0-, -OC(O)-, -R ⁶ OC(0)-, or -C(0)OR ⁶ 0-; R ⁶ is a straight or branched alkylene of 1 to 10 carbons; R ⁴ is a straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic structure alkyl group of 1 to 30 carbons; Unit A is present in an amount of 10 to 60 mol %; Unit B is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol %; Unit C is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol %; Unit D is present in an amount of 1 to 90 mol%; and Unit E is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol%.

As noted above, the coating base is a liquid formulation of a water- dispersed coating, an epoxy polymer coating, an alkyd coating, a Type I urethane coating, or an unsaturated polyester coating, which is later applied to a substrate for the purpose of creating a lasting film on said surface. The coating base includes those solvents, pigments, fillers, and functional additives found in a conventional liquid coating. Typically, the coating base may include a resin compound from 10 to 60% by weight, from 0.1 to 80% by weight of functional additives including pigments, fillers, and other additives, and the balance of the coating base

composition is water or solvent. For an architectural coating, the resin compound is in an amount of about 30 to 60% by weight, functional additives including pigments, extenders, fillers, and other additives are in an amount of 0.1 to 60% by weight, with the balance being water or solvent.

The coating compositions may further comprise additional components to provide surface effects to the resulting coating. For example, the composition may further comprise a non-polymeric ethylenically unsaturated crosslinkable compound to provide additional crosslinking sites for the crosslinkable polymer compound. In one embodiment, this non-polymeric crosslinkable compound is (c) a fatty acid compound in an amount of about 0.001 to 1 % by weight, based on the total weight sum of (a) + (b) + (c). Any fatty acid, including those listed above for use in forming the monomer of Unit D, may be employed. In one embodiment, the fatty acid (c) is the same fatty acid used to form the monomer of Unit D.

The coating compositions may also include a pigment. Such a pigment may be part of the coating base formulation, or may be added subsequently. Any pigment can be used with the present invention. The term "pigment" as used herein means opacifying and non-opacifying ingredients which are particulate and substantially non-volatile in use. Pigment as used herein includes ingredients labeled as pigments, but also ingredients typically labeled in the coating trade as inerts, extenders, fillers, and similar substances.

Representative pigments that can be used with the present invention include, but are not limited to, rutile and anatase T1O2, clays such as kaolin clay, asbestos, calcium carbonate, zinc oxide, chromium oxide, barium sulfate, iron oxide, tin oxide, calcium sulfate, talc, mica, silicas, dolomite, zinc sulfide, antimony oxide, zirconium dioxide, silicon dioxide, cadmium sulfide, cadmium selenide, lead chromate, zinc chromate, nickel titanate, diatomaceous earth, glass fibers, glass powders, glass spheres, MONASTAL Blue G (C. I. Pigment Blue 15), molybdate Orange (C. I. Pigment Red 104), Toluidine Red YW (C. I. Pigment 3)- process aggregated crystals, Phthalo Blue (C. I. Pigment Blue 15)- cellulose acetate dispersion, Toluidine Red (C. I. Pigment Red 3),

Watchung Red BW (C.I. Pigment Red 48), Toluidine Yellow GW (C. I.

Pigment Yellow 1 ), MONASTRAL Blue BW (C. I. Pigment Blue 15),

MONASTRAL Green BW (C. I. Pigment Green 7), Pigment Scarlet (C. I. Pigment Red 60), Auric Brown (C. I. Pigment Brown 6), MONASTRAL Green G (C.I. Pigment Green 7), MONASTRAL Maroon B, MONASTRAL Orange, and Phthalo Green GW 951.

Titanium dioxide (T1O2) is the preferred pigment to use with the present invention. Titanium dioxide pigment, useful in the present invention, can be in the rutile or anatase crystalline form. It is commonly made by either a chloride process or a sulfate process. In the chloride process, TiCU is oxidized to T1O2 particles. In the sulfate process, sulfuric acid and ore containing titanium are dissolved, and the resulting solution goes through a series of steps to yield T1O2. Both the sulfate and chloride processes are described in greater detail in "The Pigment Handbook", Vol. 1 , 2nd Ed. , John Wiley & Sons, NY (1988), the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

When used as an additive to a coating base, the crosslinkable polymer compound is effectively introduced to the coating base by thoroughly contacting, e.g., by mixing the fluoropolymer composition with the coating base. The contacting of fluoropolymer and coating base can be performed, for example and conveniently, at ambient temperature. More elaborate contacting or mixing methods can be employed such as using a mechanical shaker or providing heat. Such methods are generally not necessary and generally do not substantially improve the final coating composition. In one aspect, the polymers of the coating base resin and of the additive are different in composition.

When used as an additive to a coating base, the composition of the invention is generally added at about 0.02 weight % to about 5 weight % on a dry weight basis of the fluoropolymer to the weight of the wet paint. In one embodiment, from about 0.02 weight % to about 0.5 weight % is used, and in a third embodiment, from about 0.05 weight % to about 0.25 weight % of the crosslinkable polymer compound is added to the paint.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises a method of forming a coating comprising (a) contacting a coating base with a crosslinkable polymer compound comprising the repeat Units A and D, and optionally comprising one or more of Units B, C, or E, in any order, to form a coating composition; wherein Rf is a straight or branched-chain perfluoroalkyl group of 2 to 20 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by one or more ether oxygens -0-, -CH ₂ - -CFH-, or combinations thereof; A is O,

S, or N(R'), wherein R' is H or an alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; Q is a straight chain, branched chain or cyclic structure of alkylene, arylene, aralkylene, sulfonyl, sulfoxy, sulfonamido, carbonamido, carbonyloxy, urethanylene, ureylene, or combinations of such linking groups; v is 0 or 1 ; R ¹ is H or Chta; R ² is independently selected from H or an alkyl of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; Z is a hydrophilic group selected from a hydroxyl-terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; hydroxyl-, hydroxyalkyl-, thiol-, or amine-terminated straight or branched alkoxylate having 2 to 20 alkoxylate repeat units; thiol-terminated straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; or an amine-containing straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; M is H, HN(R ⁵ )3, Na, Li, Cs, K, or mixtures thereof; R ⁵ is H or an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R ³ is a straight or branched alkyl chain of 2 to 30 carbons having 1 to 15 olefinic units, or mixtures thereof; Y is selected from -CH2O-, - C(0)0-, -OC(O)-, -R ⁶ OC(0)-, or -C(0)OR ⁶ 0-; R ⁶ is a straight or branched alkylene of 1 to 10 carbons; R ⁴ is a straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic structure alkyl group of 1 to 30 carbons; Unit A is present in an amount of 10 to 60 mol %; Unit B is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol %; Unit C is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol %; Unit D is present in an amount of 1 to 90 mol%; and Unit E is present in an amount of 0 to 89 mol%; wherein the coating base is selected from a water-dispersed coating, an epoxy polymer coating, an alkyd coating, a Type I urethane coating, or an unsaturated polyester coating; wherein the coating comprises the coating base in an amount of from about 95 to 99.98% and the crosshnkable polymer compound in an amount of from about 0.02 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the coating base and crosshnkable polymer compound; and the sum of monomer repeat units is equal to 100%; (b) applying the coating composition to a substrate to form a coating film; and (c) subsequently polymerizing the olefinic units of Unit D in the coating film.

The coating compositions of the present invention are useful for providing a protective and/or decorative coating to a wide variety of substrates. Such substrates include primarily construction materials and hard surfaces. The substrate is preferably selected from the group consisting of wood, metal, wallboard, masonry, concrete, fiberboard, and paper. Other materials may also be used as the substrate.

The coatings of the present invention may be used to treat a substrate by contacting the substrate with a coating composition comprising a coating base and a crosshnkable polymer compound, and drying or curing the coating composition on the substrate. Any method of contacting a coating composition with a substrate can be used. Such methods are well known to a person skilled in the art, such as by brush, spray, roller, doctor blade, wipe, dip, foam, liquid injection, immersion or casting. Following application of the coating to a substrate, the polymer compound is polymerized using any conventional means, including allowing the additive to crosslink in air by oxidative curing. Radiation curing, including UV curing, may also be employed. Cure initiators and additives may be combined with the coating compositions to improve cure efficiency.

The compositions of the present invention provide performance as well as durability to coatings. They impart unexpectedly desirable surface effects such as: increased water and oil contact angles, enhanced dirt pickup resistance, and enhanced cleanability to the coating films. For these reasons, the compounds of the present invention are particularly suitable for use as additives to exterior coating and paints. MATERIALS AND TEST METHODS

All solvents and reagents, unless otherwise indicated, were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich and used directly as supplied.

1 H, 1 H,2H,2/-/-perfluorooctyl methacrylate and 1 H, 1 /-/,2/-/,2/-/-perfluorooctyl acrylate were obtained from DuPont Chemicals & Fluoroproducts.

Molecular weight analysis was performed using a Size Exclusion

Chromatography (SEC) system [Alliance 2695™, Waters Corporation (Milford, MA)] equipped with with a differential refractive index detector, multi-angle light scattering photometer and a differential capillary viscometer ViscoStar™.

Test Methods

Dosing of Polymer Additives in Paint and Test Panel Application

Aquesous dispersions of fluoroacrylic copolymers of the present invention were added at 350 ppm fluorine levels to selected commercially available interior and exterior latex paints that were, prior to dosing, free of fluoroadditives. The sample was mixed using an overhead Cowles Blade stirrer at 600 rpm for 10 minutes. The mixture was then transferred to a glass bottle, sealed and placed on a roll mill overnight to allow uniform mixing of the fluoropolymer. The samples were then drawn down uniformly on a black Leneta Mylar® card (5.5" x 10") or Aluminium Q-panel (4" x 12") via a BYK-Gardner drawdown apparatus using 5 mL bird- applicator. The paint films were then allowed to dry at room temperature for 7 days.

Test Method 1 . Evaluation of Oil Repellency via Contact Angle

Measurement

Oil contact angle measurements were used to test for the migration of fluoroadditive to the surface of the paint film. Oil contact angle testing was performed by goniometer on 1 inch strips of Leneta panel coated with dried paint film.

A Rame-Hart Standard Automated Goniometer Model 200 employing DROP image standard software and equipped with an automated dispensing system, 250 μΙ syringe, and illuminated specimen stage assembly was used. The goniometer camera was connected through an interface to a computer, allowing the droplet to be visualized on a computer screen. The horizontal axis line and the cross line could both be independently adjusted on the computer screen using the software.

Prior to contact angle measurement, the sample was placed on the sample stage and the vertical vernier was adjusted to align the horizontal line (axis) of the eye piece coincident to the horizontal plane of the sample. The horizontal position of the stage relative to the eye piece was positioned so as to view one side of the test fluid droplet interface region at the sample interface.

To determine the contact angle of the test fluid on the sample, approximately one drop of test fluid was dispensed onto the sample using a 30 μΙ_ pipette tip and an automated dispensing system to displace a calibrated amount of the test fluid. For oil contact angle measurements, hexadecane was suitably employed. Horizontal and cross lines were adjusted via the software in case of the Model 200 after leveling the sample via stage adjustment, and the computer calculated the contact angle based upon modeling the drop appearance. The initial contact angle is the angle determined immediately after dispensing the test fluid to the sample surface. Initial contact angles above 30 degrees are indicators of effective oil repellency.

Test Method 2. Dirt Pick-up Resistance (DPR) Test for Exterior Paints

DPR testing was used to evaluate the ability of the painted panels to prevent dirt accummulation. An artificial dry dirt comprised of silica gel (38.7%), aluminum oxide powder (38.7%), black iron oxide powder (19.35%) and lamp black powder (3.22%) was used for this test. The dust components were mixed and placed on a roller for 48 hours for thorough mixing and stored in a decicator.

Exterior paint samples were drawn down to Aluminium Q-panels cut to a size of 1 .5" x 2", and four replicates of these samples were taped onto a 4" x 6" metal panel. The initial whiteness (L ^* initial) of each Q-panel was measured using a Hunter Lab colorimeter. The 4" x 6" metal panel was then inserted into a 45 degree angle slot cut in a wooden block. The dust applicator containing metal mesh dispensed the dust on the panels until the panels were completely covered with dust. The excess dust was then removed by lightly tapping the mounted panels 5 times on the wooden block inside the shallow tray. The 4" x 6" panel which held the dusted panels was then clamped onto a Vortex-Genie 2 for 60 seconds to remove any remaining dust. The panel was then removed and tapped 10 times to dislodge any remaining dust. The whiteness (L ^* dusted) of each 1 .5" x 2" sample was re-measured using the same colorimeter, and the difference in whiteness before and after dusting was recorded. The values were averaged. DPR is expressed in terms of ΔΙ_ ^* where ΔΙ_ ^* = (L ^* initial - L ^* dusted). A lower AL ^* value indictes better dirt pick-up resistance.

Test Method 3. Water Wash Durability (Oil Contact Angle)

Exterior paint samples were drawn down to Aluminum Q-panels cut to a size of 1 .5" x 2", fixed at an angle of 45 °, and set to wash with running water for five minutes at a flow rate of 1 L/minute. The samples were air dried for 7 days, and oil contact angles were then measured as described in Test Method 1 . Test Method 4. Weathering (WOM) for DPR and Oil Contact Angle

Durability

Accelerated weathering of coated Q-panels was performed in an ATLAS Ci5000 Xenon Lamp Weather-o-Meter. The Xenon lamp was equipped with Type S Boro Inner and Outer Filters. Weathering cycles were performed according to D6695, cycle 2. During the weathering period, the panels were subjected to repeated 2-hour programs, which included 18 minutes of light and water spray followed by 102 minutes of light only. During the entire program, panels were held at 63 °C and during the UV only segment relative humidity was held at 50%.

For a 24-hour WOM program, freshly coated aluminum Q-panels were allowed to air dry for 7-days. The initial whiteness (L ^* initial) of each Q-panel was measured using a Hunter Lab colorimeter. One set of panels was subjected to DPR testing (as per Test Method 2) as well as oil and water contact angle testing (as per Test Method 1 ). A duplicate set of panels was placed in the weather-o-meter and allowed to proceed through 12 continuous 2-hour cycles according to the description above. After completion of the weathering cycles, the panels were dried, evaluated according to Test Methods 1 and 2, and re-subjected to DPR.

Examples

Preparation of Monomer A

A three necked round bottom flask fitted with a nitrogen inlet, addition funnel and septum was charged with (9Z)-octadecanoic acid (4.2 g, g, 14.86 mmol) and diethyl ether (14.0 g). 1 -[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]- 3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDCI) (3.42 g, 17.83 mmol) and 4- (dimethylamino)pyridine (1 .82 g, 14.86 mmol) were added to the flask and the mixture stirred for 10 minutes in an ice water bath. A solution of hydroxyethylethacrylate (2.13 g, 16.3 mmol) in diethyl ether (4 g) was then added via the addition funnel. After the addition was complete the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. The reaction mixture was then poured into a saturated solution of ammonium chloride (20 g). The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with diethyl ether (15 g). The combined organics were washed with water and dried over anhydrous MgS04. Evaporation of the solvent followed by drying under vacuum provided the product as a pale yellow oil (5.766 g, 14.8 mmol). 1 H NMR (CDCI3): δ 0.87 (t, 5.7 Hz, 3H), 1 .24-1.36 (m, 20H), 1 .62 (m, 2H), 1 .94 (m, 3H), 2.0 (dt, J = 5.7, 2.0 Hz, 4H), 2.3 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.3 (m, 4H), 5.34 (m, 2H), 5.6 (dt, J = 5.7, 1 .6 Hz, 1 H), 6.1 (m, 1 H).

Preparation of Monomer B

By following the above procedure described for the preparation of Monomer A, from (9Z, 12Z)-9, 12-octadecanoic acid (2.40, 8.87 mmol) and hydroxyethylmethacrylate (1 .45 g, 10.8) mmol) provided the product as a pale yellow oil (3.36 g, 8.57 mmol). The product was contaminated with traces of hydroxyethylmethacrylate-". 1 H NMR (CDCI3): δ 0.88 (t, 5.7 Hz, 3H), 1 .23-1 .36 (m, 16H), 1 .62 (m, 2H), 1.94 (m, 3H), 2.0 (dt, J = 5.7, 1 .8 Hz, 4H), 2.33 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.3 (m, 4H), 5.34 (m, 4H), 5.6 (dt, J = 5.7, 1 .6 Hz, 1 H), 6.1 (m, 1 H).

Preparation of Monomer C

By following the above procedure described for the preparation of monomer A, from (9Z)-hexadec-9-enoic acid (3.21 g, 12.62 mmol) and hydroxyethylmethacrylate (1 .72 g, 13.25 mmol) provided the product as an oil (4.32 g, 1 1 .78 mmol). The product was contaminated with traces of hydroxyethylmethacrylate. ¹ H NMR (CDC ): δ 0.88 (t, 5.8 Hz, 3H), 1 .23- 1 .36 (m, 16H), 1.62 (m, 2H), 1 .94 (m, 3H), 2.0 (dt, J = 6.0, 1 .6 Hz, 4H), 2.33 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.3 (m, 4H), 5.34 (m, 2H), 5.6 (dt, J = 5.8, 1 .6 Hz, 1 H), 6.2 (m, 1 H). Example 1

A 250 ml_ three-necked round bottom flask was equipped with a reflux condenser, a nitrogen sparge line, a TEFLON-coated magnetic stir bar, and a dip-tube for measurement of the internal temperature via a thermocouple was charged with MIBK (1 1 ml_) and IPA (25 ml_). The solution was subjected to sub-surface sparging with nitrogen using a needle for 1 hour at room temperature.

In a separate 100 ml flask, equipped with a rubber septa and nitrogen inlet, was charged with 1 H, 1 H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl methacrylate (14.58 g, 33.8 mmol), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (1 .46 g, 1 1 .22 mmol), Monomer A (1 .0 g, 2.53 mmol) and methacrylic acid, (3.16 g, 36.74 mmol). The solution was subjected to sub-surface sparging with N2 using a needle for 1 hour at room temperature. The monomer solution was diluted to a total volume of 20 ml_ using MIBK/IPA from the first flask. A solution of VAZO 67 (0.395 g, 2.05 mmol) was prepared using sparged MIBK/IPA (19 ml_) from the first reaction flask. VAZO 67 solution and monomer solution were loaded into two separate 20 ml syringes equipped with a 22 gauge needle.

1 -Thioglycerol (0.988 g, 9.13 mmol) was added to the first reaction flask containing the remaining sparged MIBK/IPA solvent. The reactor was heated to 80 °C (internal temperature). When the reaction

temperature reached 80 °C, the monomers and initiator were charged via syringe pump over 6 hours. The reaction was allowed to stir for an additional 16 hours at 80 °C. Monomer consumption was monitored via NMR using mesitylene as an internal standard (97% conversion). The polymer sample was also analyzed by GPC for number average molecular weight, M _n = 5.49 kDa and PDI = 1 .8.

The polymer solution in MIBK/IPA was heated back to 70 °C. A neutralization solution consisting of NH ₄ OH (2.85 g, 47.0 mmol) in H2O (58.3 ml_) was prepared and heated to 45 °C. The ammonia solution was added dropwise to the polymer solution via addition funnel over 20 minutes to achieve a cloudy solution. The solution was stirred at 70 °C for an additional 1 hour, and the MIBK/IPA was removed under vacuum to produce 102.5 g of a hazy yellow dispersion of polymer in water with a pH 8.0. The dispersion was determined to be 22.9 weight % solids. A calculated amount of this polymer dispersion (350 ppm of F) was added to samples of exterior test paint and the drawdown panels were evaluated as per the test methods described.

Example 2

By following a similar procedure as described in Example 1 , semi- batch polymerization was performed using 1 H, 1 H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl methacrylate (14.58 g, 33.8 mmol)), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (1 .46 g, 1 1 .22 mmol), Monomer A (6.25 g, 9.66 mmol) and methacrylic acid, (3.16 g, 36.74 mmol), VAZO 67 (0.395 g, 2.05 mmol), and 1 -thioglycerol (0.988 g, 9.13 mmol) chain transfer agent to provide a polymer solution with >98 % monomer conversion ( ¹ H NMR). The polymer sample was analyzed by GPC for number average molecular weight, M _n = 4.5 kDa and PDI = 1 .8.

Neutralization of the polymer using NH ₄ OH (2.85 g, 47.0 mmol), in H2O (58.3 g) followed by removal of the organic solvents under vacuum provided a hazy yellow dispersion (1 17.5 g, 22.0 wt.% solids, pH 8.5) in water. A calculated amount of this polymer dispersion (350 ppm of F) was added to samples of exterior test paint and the drawdown panels evaluated as per the test methods described.

Example 3

By following a similar procedure as described in Example 1 , semi- batch polymerization was performed using 1 H, 1 H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl methacrylate (14.58 g, 33.8 mmol), Monomer A (6.7 g, 15.45 mmol) and methacrylic acid, (3.16 g, 36.74 mmol), VAZO 67 (0.395 g, 2.05 mmol) and 1 -thioglycerol (0.988 g, 9.13 mmol) chain transfer agent, yielding a polymer solution with >97 % monomer conversion ( ¹ H NMR). The polymer sample was analyzed by GPC for number average molecular weight, M _n = 1 1.0 kDa and PDI = 2.8.

Neutralization of the polymer using NH ₄ OH (2.85 g, 47.0 mmol) in H2O (58.3 g), followed by removal of the organic solvents under vacuum, provided a hazy yellow dispersion (23 wt.% solids, pH 8.0) in water. A calculated amount of this polymer dispersion (350 ppm of F) was added to samples of exterior test paint and the drawdown panels evaluated as per the test methods described. Example 4

By following a similar procedure as described in Example 1 , semi- batch polymerization was performed using 1 H, 1 H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl methacrylate (14.58 g, 33.8 mmol), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (1 .46 g, 1 1 .22 mmol), Monomer B (0.55 g, 1.41 mmol)), methacrylic acid (3.16 g, 36.74 mmol), VAZO 67 (0.395 g, 2.05 mmol) and 1 -thioglycerol (0.988 g, 9.13 mmol) chain transfer agent, yielding a polymer solution with >97 % monomer conversion ( ¹ H NMR). The polymer sample was analyzed by GPC for number average molecular weight, M _n = 5.1 kDa and PDI = 2.0.

Neutralization of the polymer using NH ₄ OH (2.85 g, 47.0 mmol) in H2O (58.3 g), followed by removal of the organic solvents under vacuum, provided a hazy yellow dispersion (27.7 wt.% solids, pH 8.0) in water. A calculated amount of this polymer dispersion (350 ppm of F) was added to samples of exterior test paint and the drawdown panels evaluated as per the test methods described.

Example 5

A blend of polymer described in Example 1 (350 ppm F) and oleic acid (0.05 g, 50 ppm) was prepared and blended with exterior test paint. The drawdown panels evaluated as per the test methods described.

Example 6

A blend of polymer described in Example 1 (350 ppm F) and oleic acid (0.10 g, 100 ppm g) was prepared and blended with exterior test paint. The drawdown panels evaluated as per the test methods described. Example 7

A blend of polymer described in Example 1 (350 ppm F) and oleic acid (0.175 g, 175 ppm) was prepared and blended with exterior test paint. The drawdown panels evaluated as per the test methods described. Example 8

By following a similar procedure as described in Example 1 , semi- batch polymerization was performed using 1 /-/, 1 /-/,2/-/,2/-/-perfluorooctyl methacrylate (14.58 g, 33.8 mmol), monomer A (13.73 g, 34.8 mmol), 2- hydroxyethyl methacrylate (1 .13 g, 8.7 mmol), methacrylic acid (0.75 g, 8.7 mmol), VAZO 67 (0.395 g, 2.05 mmol), and 1 -thioglycerol (0.85 g, 7.86 mmol) chain transfer agent, to provide a polymer solution with >90 % monomer conversion ( ¹ H NMR). The polymer solution in MIBK/IPA was analyzed for % solids, determined to be 41 wt%. A calculated amount of this polymer dispersion (350 ppm of F) was added to samples of exterior test paint and the drawdown panels evaluated as per the test methods described.

Comparative Example A

By following a similar procedure as described in Example 1 , semi- batch polymerization was performed using 1 H, 1 H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl methacrylate (14.58 g, 33.8 mmol), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2.51 g, 19.3 mmol), methacrylic acid (2.67 g, 31.0 mmol), VAZO 67 (0.395 g, 2.05 mmol), and 1 -thioglycerol (0.840 g, 7.76 mmol) chain transfer agent, yielding a polymer solution with >95 % monomer conversion ( ¹ H NMR). The polymer sample was analyzed by GPC for number average molecular weight, M _n = 5.7 kDa and PDI = 1 .95

Neutralization of the polymer using NH ₄ OH (2.39 g, 39.4 mmol) in H2O (58.3 g), followed by removal of the organic solvents under vacuum, provided a hazy yellow dispersion (90.5 g, 21 .7 wt.% solids, pH 9) in water. A calculated amount of this polymer dispersion (350 ppm of F) was added to samples of exterior test paint and the drawdown panels evaluated as per the test methods described.

Comparative Example B

Samples of exterior test paint, without additive, were applied to drawdown panels and evaluated as per the test methods described.

Table 1 . Oil Contact Angle and Dirt Pickup Resistance Performance

Dirt Pickup

Oil Contact Angle ^* Resistance ^**

Water After After

Example Initial Wash WOM Initial WOM

1 73 65 31 1 .2 2.8

2 76 65 36 1 .7 2.3

3 75 70 43 2.1 2.9

4 76 66 36 3.0 5.0

5 74 68 44 0.9 2.8

6 74 67 40 1 .3 2.7

7 72 69 48 2.1 2.8

8 80 - 69 1 .6 0.9

A 73 56 20 1 .5 2.8

B 0 0 0 8.5 10.2

^* A higher value indicates better contact angle performance.

^** A lower value indicates better DPR performance.

The coated surfaces containing cross-linkable polymer additives showed good initial oil contact angle and initial DPR. They also showed oil contact angle retention and good DPR performance upon water wash and weathering compared to control (no additive). Additionally, the coated surfaces containing cross-linkable polymer additives described in

Examples 1 -7 showed better oil contact angle retention compared to the comparative polymer additive that is devoid of cross-linkable olefinic groups.