Process to increase the oleophobicity of ptfe, and resulting oleophobic articles

Abstract

Method of making a oleophobic layer on a fluoropolymer (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)). The oleophobic layer includes a fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer. The fluoropolymer may be an expanded PTFE formed into a porous membrane. The oleophobicity may be sufficient to repel #8 oil (n-heptane) in accordance with AATCC Test Method 118. There are also coated articles including fluoropolymers and oleophobic layers made from fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymers.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A coated article having a high oleophobicity comprising: a fluoropolymer comprising polytetrafluoroethylene; and a oleophobic layer directly on and contacting the fluoropolymer; wherein the oleophobic layer comprises a fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer; and wherein the coated article repels n-heptane such that the oleophobic layer on the fluoropolymer can repel #8 oil according to AATCC test method 118 for oil repellency. 
     
     
         2 . The coated article of  claim 1 , wherein the fluoropolymer comprises a porous membrane. 
     
     
         3 . The coated article of  claim 2 , wherein the comprises a membrane laminated with a fabric substrate as a backing layer.