ARTICLE AND METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-layered article made from a perfluoropolymer and to a method for its manufacturing, the multi-layered article being made of a composition (C) comprising at least one melt-processable fully fluorinated polymer (FMP), said article having at least one surface (S) comprising:at least one molecule grafted onto said surface (S), said molecule comprising at least one nitrogen atom and at least one carbon atom, andat least one layer (LI) adhered to said surface (S) comprising at least one metal compound (M).

Claims

1. A multi-layered article made of a composition (C), wherein composition (C) comprises at least one melt-processable fully fluorinated polymer (F.sub.MP), said article having at least one surface (S) comprising: at least one molecule grafted onto said surface (S), said molecule comprising at least one nitrogen atom and at least one carbon atom, and at least one layer (L1) adhered to said surface (S) comprising at least one metal compound (M).

2. The multi-layered article according to claim 1, wherein said polymer (F.sub.MP) comprises at least one perfluorinated monomer selected from the group consisting of: C.sub.2-C.sub.8 perfluoroolefins; CF.sub.2CFOR.sub.f1, wherein R.sub.f1 is selected from: (R.sub.f1*) C.sub.1-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group; or (R.sub.f1**) CF.sub.2O(CF.sub.2).sub.tOR.sub.f2 wherein t is an integer equal to 1 or 2 and R.sub.f2 is a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group; a cyclic C.sub.5-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, or a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.12 (per)fluorooxyalkyl group comprising one or more ether groups; perfluorodioxoles of formula: ##STR00006## wherein each of R.sub.f3, R.sub.f4, R.sub.f5, R.sub.f6, equal of different each other, is independently a fluorine atom or a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, optionally comprising one or more oxygen atom.

3. The multi-layered article according to claim 1, wherein said polymer (F.sub.MP) is selected from group consisting of semi-crystalline perfluoro-polymers (F.sub.MP-SC), perfluoro-elastomers [polymer (F.sub.MP-PFE)] and perfluorinated thermoplastic elastomers [polymer (F.sub.MP-TPE)].

4. The multi-layered article according to claim 3, wherein said polymer (F.sub.MP-SC) comprises recurring units derived from TFE and recurring units derived from at least one comonomer (F), wherein comonomer (F) is at least one perfluorinated monomer different from TFE.

5. The multi-layered article according to claim 4, wherein said at least one co-monomer (F) is selected from the group consisting of: (i) C.sub.3-C.sub.8 perfluoroolefins; (ii) CF.sub.2CFOR.sub.f1, wherein R.sub.f1 is a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, a cyclic C.sub.5-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, or a C.sub.1-C.sub.12 (per)fluorooxyalkyl group comprising one or more ether groups; (iii) perfluorodioxoles of formula: ##STR00007## wherein each of R.sub.f3, R.sub.f4, R.sub.f5, R.sub.f6, equal of different each other, is independently a fluorine atom or a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, optionally comprising one or more oxygen atom; and (iv) combinations of (i) to (iii) above.

6. The multi-layered article according to claim 3, wherein: (A) said polymer (F.sub.MP-PFE) is selected from those having the following compositions (wherein the amounts are expressed in mol %): (i) tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) 50-80%, perfluoroalkyl vinyl ethers (PAVE) 20-50%, bis-olefin (OF) 0-5%; (ii) tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) 20-70%, fluorovinyl ethers (MOVE) 30-80%, perfluoroalkyl vinyl ethers (PAVE) 0-50%, bis-olefin (OF) 0-5%; and (B) said polymer (F.sub.MP-TPE) comprises: at least one elastomeric block (A) consisting of a sequence of recurring units derived from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and recurring units derived from at least one perfluorinated monomer other than TFE, and optionally of a minor amount of recurring units derived from at least one bis-olefin (OF) of formula R.sub.AR.sub.BCR.sub.C-T-CR.sub.DR.sub.ER.sub.F, wherein R.sub.A, R.sub.B, R.sub.C, R.sub.D, R.sub.E and R.sub.F, equal to or different from each other, are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, C.sub.1-C.sub.5 alkyl groups and C.sub.1-C.sub.5 (per)fluoroalkyl groups, and T is a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.18 alkylene or cycloalkylene group, optionally comprising one or more than one ethereal oxygen atom, optionally at least partially fluorinated, or a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene group, wherein the molar percentage of recurring units derived from TFE in said block (A) is comprised between 40 and 82% moles, with respect to the total moles of recurring units of the said block (A), and wherein said block (A) possesses a glass transition temperature of less than 25 C., as determined according to ASTM D3418, and at least one thermoplastic block (B) consisting of a sequence of recurring units derived from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and recurring units derived from at least one perfluorinated monomer other than TFE, wherein the molar percentage of recurring units derived from TFE in said block (B) is comprised between 85 and 98% moles, and wherein the crystallinity of said block (B) and its weight fraction in the polymer (pF-TPE) are such to provide for a heat of fusion of the polymer (pF-TPE) of at least 2.5 J/g, when determined according to ASTM D3418.

7. The multi-layered article according to claim 1, wherein said molecule grafted onto said surface (S) is selected from the group consisting of molecules containing at least one bond between nitrogen atom and an element belonging to Group 14 of the Periodic Table.

8. The multi-layered article according to claim 7, wherein said molecule is selected from the group consisting of silazanes, aziridines, azides, anilines, pyrrole, pyridines, imines, nitriles, amines and amides.

9. The multi-layered article according to claim 1, wherein said compound (M) comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of: Rh, Ir, Ru, Ti, Re, Os, Cd, Tl, Pb, Bi, In, Sb, Al, Ti, Cu, Ni, Pd, V, Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, Zn, Mo, W, Ag, Au, Pt, Ir, Ru, Pd, Sn, Ge, Ga and alloys thereof.

10. A method for manufacturing a multi-layered article as defined in claim 1, said method comprising: (i) providing an article made from a composition (C) comprising at least one melt-processable fully fluorinated polymer (F.sub.MP), said article having at least one surface (S-1); (ii) contacting said surface (S-1) with a gaseous compound (G) comprising at least one nitrogen atom and at least one carbon atom, to provide an article having at least one surface (S2); (iii) contacting said at least one surface (S-2) with a first composition (C1) comprising at least one metallization catalyst, so as to provide an article having at least one surface (S-3) containing at least one nitrogen atom bonded to said at least one metallization catalyst; and (iv) contacting said at least one surface (S-3) with a second composition (C2) containing at least one metal compound (M1), so as to provide a multi-layered article having at least one surface (S) comprising nitrogen-containing groups and at least one layer (L1) adhered to said surface (S) comprising at least one metal compound (M), wherein said step (ii) is performed at atmospheric pressure.

11. The method according to claim 10, said method comprising after said step (iv), step (v) of applying a third composition (C3) containing at least one metal compound (M2) onto said surface (S).

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein said compound (G) is selected from the group consisting of molecules containing at least one nitrogen atom, at least one carbon atom and at least one bond between said nitrogen atom and an element belonging to Group 14 of the Periodic Table.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein said step (ii) is performed in the presence of a nitrogen-containing gas.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein said step (iii) is performed by an atmospheric plasma process.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein said steps (iii) and (iv) are performed as a single step (iii-D).

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein step (v) is performed by electro-deposition.

17. The multi-layered article according to claim 5, wherein R.sub.f1 is CF.sub.3, C.sub.2F.sub.5, C.sub.3F.sub.7, or C.sub.2F.sub.5OCF.sub.3.

18. The multi-layered article according to claim 7, wherein said molecule grafted onto said surface (S) is selected from the group consisting of molecules containing at least one bond between nitrogen atom and carbon or silicon.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Preferably, said multi-layered article is in the form of a film or a shaped article.

[0024] The thickness of said film is not particularly limited. For example, said film can have a thickness of from 3 m to 10 mm, more preferably from 100 m to 8 mm.

[0025] For the purpose of the present description and of the following claims: [0026] the use of parentheses around symbols or numbers identifying the formulae, for example in expressions like composition (C), etc., has the mere purpose of better distinguishing the symbol or number from the rest of the text and, hence, said parenthesis can also be omitted; [0027] the expressions fully fluorinated polymer and perfluoropolymer are used as synonyms and are intended to indicate a polymer consisting essentially of recurring units derived from at least one perfluorinated monomer; [0028] the expression consisting essentially of is intended to indicate that minor amounts of end chains, defects, irregularities, monomer rearrangements and monomers comprising hydrogen atoms are tolerated in the perfluoropolymer, provided that their amount is below 5 moles % based on the total moles of the final perfluoropolymer, more preferably below 2 moles %; [0029] the expression at least one perfluorinated monomer is intended to indicate that the perfluoropolymer contains recurring units derived from one or more perfluorinated monomers; [0030] the expression melt-processable is intended to indicate polymer that can be processed (i.e. fabricated) into shaped articles (such as films, fibers, tubes, fittings, wire coatings and the like) at a temperature higher than their glass transition temperature (T.sub.g). The expression melt-processable is herein intended to comprise (A) elastomeric polymers, before the curing step, (B) semi-crystalline polymers and (C) polymers comprising both elastomeric and semi-crystalline segments; [0031] the term elastomer is intended to indicate amorphous polymers or polymers having a low degree of crystallinity (crystalline phase less than 20% by volume) and a glass transition temperature value (T.sub.g), measured according to ASTM D3418, below room temperature. More preferably, the elastomer according to the present invention has a T.sub.g below 10 C., even more preferably below 5 C., as measured as measured according to ASTM D-3418.

[0032] Preferably, said polymer (F.sub.MP) has a melt viscosity at the processing temperature of no more than 10.sup.8 Pasec, preferably from 10 to 10.sup.6 Pasec. Advantageously, the melt-viscosity of polymer (F.sub.MP) can be measured according to ASTM D-1238, using a cylinder, orifice and piston tip made of a corrosion-resistant alloy, charging a sample into the 9.5 mm inside diameter cylinder which is maintained at a temperature exceeding the melting point, extruding the sample through a 2.10 mm diameter, 8.00 mm long square-edged orifice under a load (piston plus weight) of 5 Kg. The melting viscosity (or melt flow index, MFI) is expressed as extrusion rate in grams per minute or alternatively can be calculated in Pasec from the observable extrusion rate in grams per minute.

[0033] Preferably, said polymer (F.sub.MP) has a melt flow index comprised between 0.01 and 100 g/10 min, preferably between 0.1 and 80 g/10 min, more preferably between 0.5 and 50 g/10 min, as measured according to ASTM D-1238, using a load of 5 kg and a temperature value selected on the basis of the melting point of the polymer (F.sub.MP).

[0034] Preferably, said polymer (F.sub.MP) has a peak melting temperature (T.sub.m) of at most 325 C., preferably of at most 315 C. Preferably, said polymer (F.sub.MP) has a peak melting temperature of at least 120 C., preferably of at least 140 C. More preferably, said polymer (F.sub.MP) has a peak melting temperature (T.sub.m) between 160 and 320 C., more preferably between 180 and 315 C. The melting temperature is determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), at a heating rate of 10 C./min, according to ASTM D-3418.

[0035] Preferably, said polymer (F.sub.MP) comprises at least one perfluorinated monomer selected in the group comprising, more preferably consisting of: [0036] C.sub.2-C.sub.8 perfluoroolefins, such as tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and hexafluoropropene (HFP); [0037] CF.sub.2CFOR.sub.f1, wherein R.sub.f1 is selected from: [0038] (R.sub.f1*) C.sub.1-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, such as CF.sub.3, C.sub.2F.sub.5, C.sub.3F.sub.7; or [0039] (R.sub.f1**) CF.sub.2O(CF.sub.2).sub.tOR.sub.f2 [0040] wherein t is an integer equal to 1 or 2 and R.sub.f2 is a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, e.g. CF.sub.3, C.sub.2F.sub.5, C.sub.3F.sub.7; a cyclic C.sub.5-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, or a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.12 (per)fluorooxyalkyl group comprising one or more ether groups, such as CF.sub.2CF.sub.2OCF.sub.3 and CF(CF.sub.3)OCF.sub.3; [0041] perfluorodioxoles of formula:

##STR00001##

[0042] wherein each of R.sub.f3, R.sub.f4, R.sub.f5, R.sub.f6, equal of different each other, is independently a fluorine atom, a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, optionally comprising one or more oxygen atom, e.g. CF.sub.3, C.sub.2F.sub.5, C.sub.3F.sub.7, OCF.sub.3, OCF.sub.2CF.sub.2OCF.sub.3.

[0043] According to a first variant, said polymer (F.sub.MP) is selected from semi-crystalline perfluoro-polymers [polymer (F.sub.MP-SC)].

[0044] Preferably, said polymer (F.sub.MP-SC) is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), i.e. it comprises recurring units derived from TFE and recurring units derived from at least one perfluorinated monomer different from TFE [co-monomer (F)].

[0045] The term copolymer is intended to indicate polymers comprising recurring units derived from TFE and recurring units derived from two, three, four or higher, such as up to 10, perfluorinated monomers different from TFE.

[0046] More preferably, said at least one co-monomer (F) is selected from the group consisting of:

[0047] (i) C.sub.3-C.sub.8 perfluoroolefins, such as hexafluoropropene (HFP);

[0048] (ii) CF.sub.2CFOR.sub.f1, wherein R.sub.f1 is a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, such as CF.sub.3, C.sub.2F.sub.5, C.sub.3F.sub.7, a cyclic C.sub.5-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, or a C.sub.1-C.sub.12 (per)fluorooxyalkyl group comprising one or more ether groups, such as C.sub.2F.sub.5OCF.sub.3;

[0049] (iii) perfluorodioxoles of formula:

##STR00002##

[0050] wherein each of R.sub.f3, R.sub.f4, R.sub.f5, R.sub.f6, equal of different each other, is independently a fluorine atom, a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, optionally comprising one or more oxygen atom, e.g. CF.sub.3, C.sub.2F.sub.5, C.sub.3F.sub.7, OCF.sub.3, OCF.sub.2CF.sub.2OCF.sub.3; and

[0051] (iv) combinations of (i) to (iii) above.

[0052] Even more preferably, said at least one co-monomer (F) is selected in the group consisting of:

[0053] (ii) CF.sub.2CFOR.sub.f1, wherein R.sub.f1 is selected from: [0054] (R.sub.f1*) CF.sub.3, C.sub.2F.sub.5, and C.sub.3F.sub.7, namely, [0055] perfluoromethylvinylether (PMVE of formula CF.sub.2CFOCF.sub.3), [0056] perfluoroethylvinylether (PEVE of formula CF.sub.2CFOC.sub.2F.sub.5), [0057] perfluoropropylvinylether (PPVE of formula CF.sub.2CFOC.sub.3F.sub.7), and combinations thereof; [0058] (R.sub.f1**) CF.sub.2OR.sub.f2,

[0059] wherein R.sub.f2 is a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, cyclic C.sub.5-C.sub.6 perfluoroalkyl group, a linear or branched C.sub.2-C.sub.6 perfluoroxy-alkyl group; more preferably, R.sub.f2 is CF.sub.2CF.sub.3 (MOVE1), CF.sub.2CF.sub.2OCF.sub.3 (MOVE2), CF(CF.sub.3)OCF.sub.3 (MOVE2a) or CF.sub.3 (MOVE3); and combinations thereof.

[0060] Preferably, said polymer (F.sub.MP-SC) comprises at least 0.6 wt. %, preferably at least 0.8 wt. %, more preferably at least 1 wt. % of recurring units derived from said at least one co-monomer (F).

[0061] Preferably, polymer (F.sub.MP-SC) comprises at most 70 wt. %, preferably at most 60 wt. %, more preferably at most 40 wt. % of recurring units derived from said at least one co-monomer (F).

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the first variant, said polymer (F.sub.MP-SC) is a TFE copolymer consisting essentially of:

[0063] (I) from 5 wt. % to 25 wt. % of recurring units derived PMVE; and

[0064] (II) recurring units derived from TFE, in such an amount that the sum of the percentages of the recurring units (I) and (II) is equal to 100% by weight.

[0065] In another preferred embodiment of the first variant, said polymer (F.sub.MP-SC) is a TFE copolymer consisting essentially of:

[0066] (I) from 5 wt. % to 25 wt. % of recurring units derived from PMVE;

[0067] (II) from 0.5 wt. % to 5 wt. % of recurring units derived from PPVE; and

[0068] (III) recurring units derived from TFE, in such an amount that the sum of the percentages of the recurring units (I), (II) and (III) is equal to 100% by weight.

[0069] In still another preferred embodiment of the first variant, said polymer (F.sub.MP-SC) is a TFE copolymer consisting essentially of:

[0070] (I) from 1 wt. % to 25 wt. % of recurring units derived PPVE; and

[0071] (II) recurring units derived from TFE, in such an amount that the sum of the percentages of the recurring units (I) and (II) is equal to 100% by weight.

[0072] Suitable polymers (F.sub.MP-SC) for the present invention are commercially available from Solvay Specialty Polymers Italy S.p.A. under the trade name of HYFLON.

[0073] According to a second variant, said polymer (F.sub.MP) is a perfluoro-elastomer [polymer (F.sub.MP-PFE)], which comprises recurring units derived from the perfluorinated monomers cited above and, optionally, one or more cure sites, either as pendant groups bonded to certain recurring units or as ends groups of the polymer chain.

[0074] According to this second variant, polymer (F.sub.MP-PFE) is preferably selected from those having the following compositions (wherein the amounts are expressed in mol %):

[0075] (i) tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) 50-80%, perfluoroalkyl vinyl ethers (PAVE) 20-50%, bis-olefin (OF) 0-5%;

[0076] (ii) tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) 20-70%, fluorovinyl ethers (MOVE) 30-80%, perfluoroalkyl vinyl ethers (PAVE) 0-50%, bis-olefin (OF) 0-5%.

[0077] Suitable examples of polymers (F.sub.MP-PFE) are the products sold by SOLVAY SPECIALTY POLYMERS S.p.A. under the trade name Tecnoflon PFR Grades.

[0078] According to a third variant, said polymer (F.sub.MP) is a perfluorinated thermoplastic elastomer [polymer (F.sub.MP-TPE)] comprising: [0079] at least one elastomeric block (A) consisting of a sequence of recurring units derived from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and recurring units derived from at least one perfluorinated monomer other than TFE, and possibly of a minor amount of recurring units derived from at least one bis-olefin [bis-olefin (OF)] of formula R.sub.AR.sub.BCR.sub.C-T-CR.sub.DR.sub.ER.sub.F,

[0080] wherein R.sub.A, R.sub.B, R.sub.C, R.sub.D, R.sub.E and R.sub.F, equal to or different from each other, are selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, C.sub.1-C.sub.5 alkyl groups and C.sub.1-C.sub.5 (per)fluoroalkyl groups, and T is a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.18 alkylene or cycloalkylene group, optionally comprising one or more than one ethereal oxygen atom, preferably at least partially fluorinated, or a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene group,

[0081] wherein the molar percentage of recurring units derived from TFE in said block (A) is comprised between 40 and 82% moles, with respect to the total moles of recurring units of the said block (A), and wherein said block (A) possesses a glass transition temperature of less than 25 C., as determined according to ASTM D3418, and [0082] at least one thermoplastic block (B) consisting of a sequence of recurring units derived from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and recurring units derived from at least one perfluorinated monomer other than TFE,

[0083] wherein the molar percentage of recurring units derived from TFE in said block (B) is comprised between 85 and 98% moles, and wherein the crystallinity of said block (B) and its weight fraction in the polymer (pF-TPE) are such to provide for a heat of fusion of the polymer (pF-TPE) of at least 2.5 J/g, when determined according to ASTM D3418.

[0084] For the purpose of the present invention, the term elastomeric, when used in connection with the block (A) is hereby intended to denote a polymer chain segment which, when taken alone, is substantially amorphous, that is to say, has a heat of fusion of less than 2.0 J/g, preferably of less than 1.5 J/g, more preferably of less than 1.0 J/g, as measured according to ASTM D3418.

[0085] For the purpose of the present invention, the term thermoplastic, when used in connection with the block (B), is hereby intended to denote a polymer chain segment which, when taken alone, is semi-crystalline, and possesses a detectable melting point, with an associated heat of fusion of exceeding 10.0 J/g, as measured according to ASTM D3418.

[0086] Said polymer (F.sub.MP-TPE) can be referred to as a block copolymer, said block copolymer typically having a structure comprising at least one block (A) alternated to at least one block (B), that is to say that said polymer (F.sub.MP-TPE) typically comprises, preferably consists of, one or more than one repeating structures of type (B)-(A)-(B). Generally, polymer (F.sub.MP-TPE) has a structure of type (B)-(A)-(B), i.e. comprising a central block (A) having two ends, connected at both ends to a side block (B).

[0087] The said perfluorinated monomer other than TFE is advantageously selected from the group provided above for the co-monomer (F).

[0088] Preferably, the bis-olefin (OF), cited within the present description for the second and the third variant of the invention, is selected from the group consisting of those of any of formulae (OF-1), (OF-2) and (OF-3):

##STR00003##

[0089] wherein j is an integer comprised between 2 and 10, preferably between 4 and 8, and R1, R2, R3 and R4, equal to or different from each other, are selected from the group consisting of H, F, C.sub.1-C.sub.5 alkyl groups and C.sub.1-C.sub.5 (per)fluoroalkyl groups;

##STR00004##

[0090] wherein each of A, equal to or different from each other and at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F and Cl; each of B, equal to or different from each other and at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl and OR.sub.B, wherein R.sub.B is a branched or straight chain alkyl group which may be partially, substantially or completely fluorinated or chlorinated, E is a divalent group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, optionally fluorinated, which may be inserted with ether linkages; preferably E is a (CF.sub.2).sub.m group, wherein m is an integer comprised between 3 and 5; a preferred bis-olefin of (OF-2) type is F.sub.2CCFO(CF.sub.2).sub.5OCFCF.sub.2;

##STR00005##

[0091] wherein E, A and B have the same meaning as defined above, R5, R6 and R7, equal to or different from each other, are selected from the group consisting of H, F, C.sub.1-C.sub.5 alkyl groups and C.sub.1-C.sub.5 (per)fluoroalkyl groups.

[0092] The elastomeric block (A) preferably consists of a sequence of: [0093] recurring units derived from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) in an amount of 40 to 82% moles, preferably from 50 to 75% moles, and most preferably from 54 to 70% moles; [0094] recurring units derived from at least one perfluorinated monomer other than TFE, as above detailed, in an amount of 18 to 55% moles, preferably from 25 to 48% moles, and most preferably from 30 to 45% moles; and [0095] possibly, recurring units derived from a bis-olefin (OF), as above detailed, in an amount of 0 to 5% moles, preferably of 0 to 2% moles, more preferably of 0 to 1% moles,

[0096] with respect to the total moles of recurring units of block (A)

[0097] The elastomeric block (A) possesses a glass transition temperature of less than 25 C., preferably of less than 20 C., more preferably of less than 15 C., as determined according to ASTM D3418.

[0098] The thermoplastic block (B) preferably consists of a sequence of: [0099] recurring units derived from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) in an amount of 85 to 99.5% moles, preferably from 88 to 97% moles, and most preferably from 90 to 96% moles; [0100] recurring units derived from at least one perfluorinated monomer other than TFE, as above detailed, in an amount of 0.5 to 15% moles, preferably from 3 to 12% moles, and most preferably from 4 to 10% moles,

[0101] with respect to the total moles of recurring units of block (B).

[0102] The weight ratio between blocks (A) and blocks (B) in said polymer (F.sub.MP-TPE) is typically comprised between 95:5 and 10:90.

[0103] Said polymer (F.sub.MP-TPE) can be advantageously prepared by a method comprising the following sequential steps:

[0104] (a) polymerizing TFE, at least one perfluorinated monomer other than TFE, and possibly at least one bis-olefin (OF), in the presence of a radical initiator and of an iodinated chain transfer agent, thereby providing a pre-polymer consisting of at least one block (A) containing one or more iodinated end groups; and

[0105] (b) polymerizing TFE, at least one perfluorinated monomer other than TFE, in the presence of a radical initiator and of the pre-polymer provided in step (a), thereby providing at least one block (B) grafted on said pre-polymer through reaction of the said iodinated end groups of the block (A).

[0106] The method of the invention is preferably carried out in aqueous emulsion polymerization according to methods well known in the art, in the presence of a suitable radical initiator.

[0107] The radical initiator is typically selected from the group consisting of: [0108] inorganic peroxides such as, for instance, alkali metal or ammonium persulphates, perphosphates, perborates or percarbonates, optionally in combination with ferrous, cuprous or silver salts or other easily oxidable metals; [0109] organic peroxides such as, for instance, disuccinylperoxide, tertbutyl-hydroperoxide, and ditertbutylperoxide; and [0110] azo compounds (see, for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 2,515,628 (E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOUS AND CO.) and U.S. Pat. No. 2,520,338 (E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND CO.).

[0111] When step (a) is terminated, the reaction is discontinued, for instance by cooling, and the residual monomers are removed, for instance by heating the emulsion under stirring.

[0112] The second polymerization step (b) is then carried out, feeding the new monomer mixture and adding fresh radical initiator.

[0113] If necessary, under step (b) of the process for the manufacture of the polymer (F.sub.MP-TPE), one or more further chain transfer agents may be added, which can be selected from the same iodinated chain transfer agents as defined above or from chain transfer agents known in the art for use in the manufacture of fluoropolymers such as, for instance, ketones, esters or aliphatic alcohols having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms, such as acetone, ethylacetate, diethylmalonate, diethylether and isopropyl alcohol; hydrocarbons, such as methane, ethane and butane; chloro(fluoro)carbons, optionally containing hydrogen atoms, such as chloroform and trichlorofluoromethane; bis(alkyl)carbonates wherein the alkyl group has from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, such as bis(ethyl) carbonate and bis(isobutyl) carbonate.

[0114] When step (b) is completed, polymer (F.sub.MP-TPE) is generally isolated from the emulsion according to conventional methods, such as by coagulation by addition of electrolytes or by cooling.

[0115] Alternatively, the polymerization reaction can be carried out in mass or in suspension, in an organic liquid where a suitable radical initiator is present, according to known techniques. The polymerization temperature and pressure can vary within wide ranges depending on the type of monomers used and based on the other reaction conditions.

[0116] Advantageously, said molecule grafted onto said surface (S) is selected from the group comprising molecules containing at least one bond between nitrogen atom and an element belonging to Group 14 of the Periodic Table, even more preferably carbon or silicon. Thus, the molecule grafted onto said surface (S) preferably comprises at least one bond CN or SiN.

[0117] Advantageously, said molecule is selected from the group comprising silazanes, aziridines, azides, anilines, pyrrole, pyridines, imines, nitriles, amines and amides. More preferably, said molecule is selected from the group comprising, even more preferably consisting of: allylamine, hexadimethylsilazane (HMDSN), pyrrolidine, pyrrole, acetonitrile, aniline.

[0118] Preferably, said compound (M) comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of: Rh, Ir, Ru, Ti, Re, Os, Cd, Tl, Pb, Bi, In, Sb, Al, Ti, Cu, Ni, Pd, V, Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, Zn, Mo, W, Ag, Au, Pt, Ir, Ru, Pd, Sn, Ge, Ga and alloys thereof.

[0119] More preferably, said compound (M) comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Cu, Pd, Co, Ag, Au, Pt, Sn and alloys thereof. Even more preferably, said compound (M) comprises Cu, Ni and Pd.

[0120] The thickness of said layer (L1) is not particularly limited. For example, said layer (L1) has a thickness of from 1 nm to 10 m, more preferably of from 10 nm to 1 m.

[0121] Preferably, said layer (L1) is a continuous layer, i.e., it completely covers said surface (S). However, depending on the application, said layer (L1) can be a discontinuous layer, partially covering said surface (S), i.e. said surface (S) comprises at least one area that is not covered by said layer (L1).

[0122] Advantageously, said compound (G) is selected from the group comprising molecules containing at least one nitrogen atom, at least one carbon atom and at least one bond between said nitrogen atom and an element belonging to Group 14 of the Periodic Table, even more preferably carbon or silicon. According to a preferred embodiment, said compound (G) comprises at least one bond CN or SiN.

[0123] Advantageously, said compound (G) is selected from the group comprising silazanes, aziridines, azides, anilines, pyrrole, pyridines, imines, nitriles, amines and amides. More preferably, said compound (G) is selected from the group comprising, even more preferably consisting of: allylamine, hexadimethylsilazane (HMDSN), pyrrolidine, pyrrole, acetonitrile, aniline.

[0124] Preferably, said step (ii) is performed in the presence of a nitrogen-containing gas.

[0125] According to a preferred embodiment, said nitrogen-containing gas is selected from N.sub.2, NH.sub.3 or mixtures thereof, optionally in admixture with nitrogen-free gas such as CO.sub.2 and/or H.sub.2. Good results have been obtained by using N.sub.2.

[0126] The gas rate can be selected by the skilled person. Preferably, the gas rate was between 10 nl/min and 30 nl/min.

[0127] Preferably, said step (iii) is performed by an atmospheric plasma process.

[0128] Preferably, said atmospheric plasma process is performed under atmospheric pressure and with an equivalent corona dose of from 50 Wmin/m.sup.2 to 30,000 Wmin/m.sup.2, more preferably of from 500 Wmin/m.sup.2 to 15000 Wmin/m.sup.2.

[0129] Preferably, under step (iii) of the present invention, said composition (C1) is in the form of solution in a suitable solvent, such as water.

[0130] Preferably, step (iii) is performed by contacting the surface of the article as obtained in step (ii) with said composition (C1).

[0131] Preferably, compounds that may be employed as metallization catalysts in the method of the present invention can be provided in the form of metal, ion or complex thereof.

[0132] More preferably, in the process of the present invention, the metallization catalyst is provided in the form of ion. According to this embodiment, the method according to the present invention comprises after step (iii) and before step (iv), a step (iii-b) of reducing the metallization catalyst in the form of ion to metal.

[0133] Preferably, said metallization catalyst is selected in the group comprising Pd, Pt, Rh, Ir, Ni, Cu, Ag and Au catalysts.

[0134] More preferably, the metallization catalyst is selected from Pd catalysts, such as PdCl.sub.2.

[0135] Preferably, under step (iv), said composition (C2) is an electroless metallization plating bath, comprising at least one compound (M1), at least one reducing agent, at least one liquid medium and, optionally, one or more additives.

[0136] Preferably, said compound (M1) comprises one or more metal salts. More preferably, said compound (M1) preferably comprises one or more metal salts of the metals listed above with respect to compound (M).

[0137] Preferably, said reducing agent is selected from the group comprising formaldehyde, sodium hypophosphite, hydrazine, glycolic acid and glyoxylic acid.

[0138] Preferably, said liquid medium is selected from the group comprising water, organic solvents and ionic liquids.

[0139] Among organic solvents, alcohols are preferred such as ethanol.

[0140] Non-limitative examples of suitable ionic liquids include, notably, those comprising as cation a sulfonium ion or an imidazolium, pyridinium, pyrrolidinium or piperidinium ring, said ring being optionally substituted on the nitrogen atom, in particular by one or more alkyl groups with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and on the carbon atoms, in particular by one or more alkyl groups with 1 to 30 carbon atoms.

[0141] Preferably, the ionic liquid is advantageously selected from those comprising as anion those chosen from halides anions, perfluorinated anions and borates.

[0142] Preferably, additives are selected from the group comprising salts, buffers and other materials suitable for enhancing stability of the catalyst in the liquid composition.

[0143] Preferably, said step (iv) is performed at a temperature above 40 C., more preferably between 50 C. and 120 C.

[0144] Advantageously, according to an embodiment, step (iv) is performed so as to provide a continuous layer [layer (L)] comprising compound M onto said surface (S3), i.e. a layer that completely covers said surface (S3).

[0145] Embodiments wherein said layer comprising compound M covers only certain areas of said surface (S3) are also encompasses by the present invention.

[0146] The thickness of the layer comprising compound M is not particularly limited. For example, said layer has a thickness of from 0.1 nm to 10 m, preferably from 10 nm to 1 m.

[0147] Preferably, said steps (iii) and (iv) are performed as a single step [step (iii-D)], more preferably by electroless deposition.

[0148] By electroless deposition it is meant a redox process typically carried out in a plating bath between a metal cation and a proper chemical reducing agent suitable for reducing said metal cation in its elemental state.

[0149] The preferred conditions disclosed above with respect to step (iii) and step (iv) apply whether step (iii) and step (iv) are performed separately or when step (iii) and step (iv) are performed as a single step (iii-D).

[0150] Optionally, the above method comprises after step (iv), step (v) of applying a composition [composition (C3)] containing at least one metal compound [compound (M2)] onto said surface (S), so as to provide an external surface [surface (S.sub.e)] comprising at least two compounds (M).

[0151] Preferably, said composition (C3) is an electrolytic solution, comprising at least one compound (M2), at least one metal halide and, optionally, at least one ionic liquid as defined above.

[0152] Said compound (M2) can be the same or different from said compound (M1).

[0153] Preferably, said compound (M2) is a metal salt deriving from Al, Ni, Cu, Ag, Au, Cr, Co, Sn, Ir, Pt and alloys thereof.

[0154] Preferably, said metal halide is PdCl.sub.2.

[0155] Preferably, said step (v) is performed by electro-deposition.

[0156] Within the present description and in the following claims, by electro-deposition it is meant a process using electrical current to reduce metal cations from an electrolytic solution.

[0157] Should the disclosure of any patents, patent applications, and publications which are incorporated herein by reference conflict with the description of the present application to the extent that it may render a term unclear, the present description shall take precedence.

[0158] Experimental Section

[0159] Materials:

[0160] HYFLON P450 perfluoropolymer (herein after referred to as polymer P1) and HYFLON P420 perfluoropolymer (herein after referred to as polymer P2) were obtained from Solvay Specialty Polymers Italy S.p.A. Allylamine, hexadimethylsilazane (HMDSN), pyrrole and acetonitrile were obtained by Sigma-Aldrich.

EXAMPLE 1

Manufacture of a Multi-Layered Sample

[0161] From each polymer P1 and P2, plaques measuring 1010 cm and 150 m thick were obtained.

[0162] Step a. The surface of each plaque was treated at atmospheric pressure by a radio-frequency plasma discharge process, using Plasmatreater AS400 instrument, in the following conditions:

[0163] etching gas: N.sub.2,

[0164] working frequency: 20 kHz

[0165] voltage: 0.3 kV.

[0166] During the treatment, each of the precursors listed in Table 1 below was deposited onto the surface of one plaque, after being vaporized and inputted into the plasma chamber.

[0167] Water contact angles of the samples thus obtained were measured. The measured values are reported in the following Table 1.

[0168] As comparison, a plaque obtained from the same polymers P1 and P2, was treated following the same procedure describe din step (a), but without addition of the precursors. This comparison example was representative of the procedure known in the art for the treatment of partially fluorinated polymers.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Polymer used for making the Water contact Plaque Plaque Treatment angle 1(*) P1 pristine surface 102 2(*) P1 Step (a) without precursor 101 3 P1 Step (a) + allylamine 22.9 4 P1 Step (a) + HMDSN 18.8 5 P1 Step (a) + pyrrole 24.6 6 P1 Step (a) + acetonitrile 41.8 (*)comparison

[0169] The above results demonstrated that the treatment according to the prior art with nitrogen gas only, was not effective on perfluoropolymers. On the contrary, all the precursors provided a reduction of water contact angle and thus an increment of surface reactivity.

[0170] Step b. The surface of each Plaque, obtained after step (a) above, was coated with metallic nickel by electroless plating. First, the treated surface of the sample was activated by immersion in an aqueous solution containing 0.03 g/L of PdCl.sub.2 for 3 minute (pH=9.5), resulting in the treated surface of the sample being entirely coated with Pd particles at a high density. The so activated surface was then immersed in an aqueous plating bath containing 10 g/L of NiSO.sub.4, 8 g/L NaPO.sub.2H.sub.2 and organic additives. The plating temperature was 90 C. and its pH value was 5.

[0171] The thickness of the nickel layer coated onto the treated surface was 0.2 m as measured by SEM.

EXAMPLE 2

Evaluation of Adhesion of the Metallic Layer

[0172] The adhesion of the metallic layer was evaluated on the metallic layer obtained on Plaques 5 to 12 obtained according to the invention and on the comparison Plaque 2(*), obtained as disclosed above.

[0173] The adhesion was evaluated as follows: using a cutting tool, two series of perpendicular cuts were performed on the metallic layer of each Plaque 5 to 12 and 3(*), in order to create a lattice pattern on them. A piece of tape was then applied and smoothened over the lattice and removed with an angle of 180 with respect to the metallic layer.

[0174] The adhesion of metallic layer was then assessed by comparing the lattice of cuts with the ASTM D3359 standard procedure. The classification of test results ranged from 5B to 0B, whose descriptions are depicted in Table 2 herein below.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 ASTM D3359 Classification Description 5B The edges of the cuts are completely smooth; none of the squares of the lattice is detached. 4B Detachment of flakes of the coating at the intersections of the cuts. A cross cut area not significantly greater than 5% is affected. 3B The coating has flaked along the edges and/or at the intersection of the cuts. A cross cut area significantly greater than 5%, but not significantly greater than 15% is affected. 2B The coating has flaked along the edges of the cuts partly or wholly in large ribbons, and/or it has flaked partly of wholly on different parts of the squares. A cross cut area significantly greater than 15%, but not significantly greater than 65%, is affected. 1B The coating has flaked along the edges of the cuts in large ribbons and/or some squares have detached partly or wholly. A cross cut area significantly greater than 35%, but not significantly greater than 65%, is affected. 0B Any degree of flaking that cannot be classified even by classification 1B.

[0175] The adhesion values obtained for the samples were as follows: [0176] each of Plaque 5 to 12=5B; [0177] Plaque 3(*)=0B.

[0178] The above results demonstrated the excellent adhesion achieved on the article made of perfluoropolymer according to the process of the present invention.

[0179] Another Plaque according to the invention was subjected to thermal ageing by treatment at 250 C. for 100 hours. At the end of the thermal treatment, the surface of the sample comprising the metallic layer was cross-cut and the adhesion was evaluated as following the same classification from 0B to 5B.

[0180] The adhesion value obtained for the sample after thermal treatment was 5B.