METHOD FOR PRODUCING FLUORINE-CONTAINING COPOLYMER

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20250145747
  • Publication Number
    20250145747
  • Date Filed
    January 08, 2025
    4 months ago
  • Date Published
    May 08, 2025
    11 days ago
Abstract
A method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer, the method including performing polymerization using a monomer containing tetrafluoroethylene in a polymerization medium containing at least one polymerization solvent A selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following Formulas (1) to (3). The description of Formulas (1) to (3) is omitted.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer.


BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, fluorine-based polymers are polymer materials excellent in heat resistance, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, and the like, and because of such advantageous characteristics, the fluorine-based polymers have been utilized in a variety ofuses.


As a method for producing a fluorine-based polymer, polymerization methods such as a solution polymerization method, a suspension polymerization method, and an emulsion polymerization method are known.


For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a polymerization reaction of tetrafluoroethylene, acrylic acid, and methylvinylchlorosilane.


CITATION LIST
Patent Literature



  • Patent Literature 1: Chinese Patent Application Laid-Open (CN-A) No. 112961553



SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem

However, in the method described in Patent Literature 1, the polymerization rate is slow, and a method of more efficiently obtaining a fluorine-containing copolymer is desired.


An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer in which a polymerization rate is higher than before.


Solution to Problem

The disclosure includes the following aspects.


<1>


A method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer, the method including performing polymerization using a monomer containing tetrafluoroethylene in a polymerization medium containing at least one polymerization solvent A selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following Formulas (1) to (3):




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    • in Formula (1), Y1 represents a nitrogen atom or an oxygen atom,

    • when Y is a nitrogen atom, each of p, m, n, and k is independently an integer satisfying p+m=1 or more and p+m+n+k=3,

    • when Y1 is an oxygen atom, each of p, m, n, and k is independently an integer satisfying p+m=1 or more and p+m+n+k=2, and

    • when p is 1 or more, n is 1 or more,

    • each Z1 is independently a group represented by any one of the following Formulas (T 1) to (T14),

    • in Formula (2), Y3 represents a carbon atom or a silicon atom, and

    • each of R1 to R4 independently represents a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, or a tert-butoxy group, and

    • in Formula (3), Z2 is a group represented by the following Formula (T14),







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    • in Formulas (T1) to (T14), each A1 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom, a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, —NR2, or —SR, each A2 independently represents a chlorine atom, a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, —NR2, or —SR, each R independently represents a methyl group or a tert-butyl group, and * represents a binding site.





<2>


The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to <1>, wherein the monomer further includes a fluorine-containing monomer having a fluorine atom other than the tetrafluoroethylene, and

    • the fluorine-containing monomer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of fluorine-containing monomers represented by the following Formulas (X1), (X2), and (X3):




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    • in Formula (X1), each of X1, X2, and X3 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom,

    • Rf1 represents a perfluoroalkylene group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and an etheric oxygen atom may be contained between carbon-carbon bonds of the perfluoroalkylene group,

    • R10 represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, —SO2R11, —COR11, or a cyano group, each R11 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a hydroxyl group, or an alkoxy group, and

    • n1 is 0 or 1,

    • in Formula (X2), each of X4 and X5 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom,

    • each of Rf2 and Rf3 independently represents a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 5 from carbon atoms or a fluorine atom, and an etheric oxygen atom may be contained between carbon-carbon bonds of the perfluoroalkyl group, and

    • in Formula (X3), each of X6, X8, and X9 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom,

    • each X7 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or a trifluoromethyl group,

    • each R20 independently represents a fluorine atom or —Rf4—R30

    • each R40 independently represents a fluorine atom or —RfS—R50

    • each of Rf4 and Rf5 independently represents a perfluoroalkylene group having 1 to 5 from carbon atoms, and an etheric oxygen atom may be contained between carbon-carbon bonds of the perfluoroalkylene group, and

    • each of R30 and R50 independently represents —SO2R11, —COR11, or a cyano group.





<3>


The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to <1> or <2>, wherein the monomer further includes at least one fluorine-containing monomer selected from the group consisting of hexafluoropropylene and perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether).


<4>


The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the monomer further includes a non-fluorinated monomer having no fluorine atom and having an ethylenically unsaturated group.


<5>


The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the monomer further includes a non-fluorinated monomer having no fluorine atom, having an ethylenically unsaturated group, and having at least one reactive group selected from the group consisting of a reactive silyl group, an amino group, an isocyanato group, a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an acid anhydride residue, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a carboxy group, and a carboxylic acyl group.


<6>


The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the monomer further includes a non-fluorinated monomer having no fluorine atom, having an ethylenically unsaturated group, and having at least one reactive group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an acid anhydride residue, an alkoxylcarbonyl group, a carboxy group, and a carboxylic acyl group.


<7>


The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the monomer further includes at least one fluorine-containing monomer selected from the group consisting of hexafluoropropylene and perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether), and a non-fluorinated monomer having no fluorine atom, having an ethylenically unsaturated group, and having an acid anhydride residue.


<8>


The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein a proportion of water in the polymerization medium is less than 10 vol %, and solution polymerization is performed using the monomer in the polymerization medium.


<9>


The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein suspension polymerization is performed using the monomer in a polymerization medium containing the at least one polymerization solvent A selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by Formula (1) or Formula (2) and incompatible with water, and water,

    • a proportion of water in the polymerization medium is from 10 vol % to 80 vol %,
    • in Formula (1), Y1 represents a nitrogen atom or an oxygen atom,
    • when Y1 is a nitrogen atom, each of p, m, n, and k is independently an integer satisfying p+m=1 or more and p+m+n+k=3,
    • when Y1 is an oxygen atom, k is 0, each of p, m, and n is independently an integer satisfying p+m=1 or more and p+m+n=2,
    • when p is 1 or more, n is 1 or more, and
    • each Z1 is independently a group represented by any one of Formulas (T1) to (T3), Formula (T7), Formula (T8), or Formula (T10),
    • in Formula (2), Y3 represents a carbon atom or a silicon atom, and
    • each of R1 to R4 independently represents a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, or a tert-butoxy group, and
    • in Formulas (T1) to (T3), Formula (T7), Formula (T8), and Formula (T10), each A1 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, or —NR2, each A2 independently represents a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, or —NR2, each R independently represents a methyl group or a tert-butyl group, and * represents a binding site.


<10>


The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein in Formula (1), each Z1 is independently a group represented by any one of Formulas (T1) to (T3).


<11>


The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to any one of <1> to <10>, wherein in Formula (1), each Z1 is independently a group represented by Formula (T1).


<12>


The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein in Formula (2), Y3 represents a carbon atom.


Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the disclosure, there is provided a method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer in which a polymerization rate is higher than before.







DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the disclosure, a numerical range that has been indicated by use of “to” indicates the range that includes the numerical values which are described before and after “to”, as a minimum value and a maximum value, respectively.


In a numerical range described in a stepwise manner in the disclosure, an upper limit value or a lower limit value described in one numerical range may be replaced with an upper limit value or a lower limit value described in another numerical range described in a stepwise manner. In a numerical range described in the disclosure, an upper limit value or a lower limit value described in one numerical range may be replaced with a value shown in Examples.


In the disclosure, a combination of two or more preferred aspects is a more preferred aspect.


In a case in which a plurality of substances corresponding to each component are present, the content of each component in the disclosure means the total content of the plurality of substances unless otherwise specified.


In the disclosure, “tBu” means a “tert-butyl group”.


Method for Producing Fluorine-Containing Copolymer

A method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure is a method in which polymerization is performed using a monomer containing tetrafluoroethylene in a polymerization medium containing at least one polymerization solvent A selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following Formulas (1) to (3):




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    • in Formula (1), Y1 represents a nitrogen atom or an oxygen atom,

    • when Y1 is a nitrogen atom, each of p, m, n, and k is independently an integer satisfying p+m=1 or more and p+m+n+k=3,

    • when Y1 is an oxygen atom, each of p, m, n, and k is independently an integer satisfying p+m=1 or more and p+m+n+k=2, and

    • when p is 1 or more, n is 1 or more,

    • each Z1 is independently a group represented by any one of the following Formulas (T1) to (T14),

    • in Formula (2), Y3 represents a carbon atom or a silicon atom, and

    • each of R1 to R4 independently represents a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, or a tert-butoxy group, and

    • in Formula (3), Z2 is a group represented by the following Formula (T14),







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    • in Formulas (T1) to (T14), each A1 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom, a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, —NR2, or —SR, each A2 independently represents a chlorine atom, a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, —NR2, or —SR, each R independently represents a methyl group or a tert-butyl group, and * represents a binding site.





In a case in which there are a plurality of A1 in one group, the plurality of A1 may be the same as or different from each other. In a case in which there are a plurality of A2 in one group, the plurality of A2 may be the same as or different from each other.


In the case of using the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, polymerization proceeds at a higher polymerization rate than before, and a fluorine-containing copolymer can be obtained. The present inventors presume the reason why such an effect can be exhibited as follows.


In the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, polymerization is performed in a polymerization medium containing at least one polymerization solvent A selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by Formulas (1) to (3).


Each of the polymerization solvents A has low chain mobility. Therefore, it is presumed that the polymerization of the monomer containing tetrafluoroethylene proceeds smoothly.


Hereinafter, the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure will be described in detail.


(Polymerization Medium)


The polymerization medium contains at least one polymerization solvent A selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by Formulas (1) to (3).


<Compound Represented by Formula (1)>




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In Formula (1), Y1 represents a nitrogen atom or an oxygen atom.


When Y1 is a nitrogen atom, each of p, m, n, and k is independently an integer satisfying p+m=1 or more and p+m+n+k=3.


When Y1 is an oxygen atom, each of p, m, n, and k is independently an integer satisfying p+m=1 or more and p+m+n+k=2.


When p is 1 or more, n is I or more.


Each Z1 is independently a group represented by any one of Formulas (T1) to (T14).


In Formulas (T1) to (T14), each A1 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom, a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, —NR2, or —SR, each A2 independently represents a chlorine atom, a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, —NR2, or —SR, each R independently represents a methyl group or a tert-butyl group, and * represents a binding site.




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Examples of the combination of p, m, n, and k in Formula (1) include the following aspects. When Y1 is a nitrogen atom,

    • (p, m, n, k)=(0, 1, 0, 2), (0, 1, 1, 1), (0, 1, 2, 0), (1, 0, 1, 1), (1, 0, 2, 0), (0, 2, 0, 1), (0, 2, 1, 0), (1, 1, 1, 0), (2, 0, 1, 0), or (0, 3, 0, 0), and
    • when Y1 is an oxygen atom,
    • (p, m, n, k)=(0, 1, 0, 1), (0, 1, 1, 0), (1, 0, 1, 0), or (0, 2, 0, 0).


From the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate and increasing the molecular weight, in Formula (1), Y1 is preferably an oxygen atom. In particular, as the combination of p, m, n, and k, (p, m, n, k) is preferably (0, 1, 0, 1), (0, 1, 1, 0), or (1, 0, 1, 0).


In a case in which n is 1 or more, from the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate, each Z1 is independently a group represented by any one of Formulas (T1) to (T14), preferably a group represented by any one of Formulas (T1) to (T7), more preferably a group represented by any one of Formulas (T1) to (T3), and still more preferably a group represented by Formula (T1).


In Formulas (T1) to (T14), each A1 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom, a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, —NR2, or —SR, each A2 independently represents a chlorine atom, a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, —NR2, or —SR, and each R independently represents a methyl group or a tert-butyl group. In particular, it is preferable that each A1 independently represents a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, or —NR2, each A2 independently represents a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, or —NR2, and each R independently represents a methyl group or a tert-butyl group.


In the compound represented by Formula (1), examples of Z1 include the following compounds.




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Hereinafter, specific examples of the compound represented by Formula (1) will be given, but the compound represented by Formula (1) is not limited thereto.




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<Compound Represented by Formula (2)>




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In Formula (2), Y3 represents a carbon atom or a silicon atom.


Each of R1 to R4 independently represents a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, or a tert-butoxy group.


Hereinafter, specific examples of the compound represented by Formula (2) will be given, but the compound represented by Formula (2) is not limited thereto.




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From the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate and increasing the molecular weight, in Formula (2), Y3 is preferably a carbon atom.


From the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate and increasing the molecular weight, in Formula (2), R1 to R4 are preferably a methyl group.


<Compound Represented by Formula (3)>





CH3==Z2  (3)


In Formula (3), Z2 is a group represented by the following Formula (T14).





* —CN  (T14)


That is, the compound represented by Formula (3) is acetonitrile.


In the polymerization solvent A, a compound corresponding to the compound represented by Formula (1) and corresponding to the compound represented by Formula (2) is regarded as the compound represented by Formula (1). That is, the compound represented by Formula (1) is not included in the compound represented by Formula (2).


For example, di-tert-butyl ether corresponds to the compound represented by Formula (1) and corresponds to the compound represented by Formula (2), but is regarded as the compound represented by Formula (1). That is, the di-tert-butyl ether is not included in the compound represented by Formula (2).


The proportion of the polymerization solvent A in the polymerization medium is preferably 70 mol % or more and more preferably 95 mol % or more.


<Other Polymerization Solvent>


In the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, the polymerization medium may contain a polymerization solvent other than the polymerization solvent A.


Examples of the other polymerization solvent include aromatic hydrocarbon-based solvents such as benzene, toluene, and xylene; sulfoxide-based solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); ketone-based solvents such as acetone and 2-butanone (methyl ethyl ketone); ether-based solvents such as tetrahydrofurall (THF) and dioxane; ester-based solvents such as ethyl acetate; halogen-based solvents such as hexafluoroisopropanol, chloroform, 1H-perfluorohexane, 1H,1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctane, 1,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene, 1,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene, benzotrifluoride, chlorobenzene, and 1,2-dichlorobenzene; and water.


<Polymerization Method>


The polymerization in the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure may be solution polymerization, and may be suspension polymerization. The solution polymerization method is a method in which polymerization is performed in a state in which a monomer is dissolved in a polymerization medium. The suspension polymerization method is a method in which polymerization is performed in a state in which a monomer is suspended in a polymerization medium containing water.


-Solution Polymerization-


In the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, it is preferable to perform solution polymerization using above-described monomer in the polymerization medium. In the solution polymerization, the proportion of water in the polymerization medium is preferably less than 10 vol %.


In the solution polymerization, the polymerization medium is not particularly limited as long as it is a polymerization medium containing the at least one polymerization solvent A selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by Formulas (1) to (3). Preferred aspects of the compounds represented by Formulas (1) to (3) are as described above.


From the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate and increasing the molecular weight, in Formula (1), Y1 is preferably an oxygen atom.


In a case in which n is 1 or more, from the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate, each Z1 is independently preferably a group represented by any one of Formulas (T1) to (T7), more preferably a group represented by any one of Formulas (T1) to (T3), and still more preferably a group represented by Formula (T1).


From the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate and increasing the molecular weight, in Formula (2), Y3 is preferably a carbon atom.


From the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate and increasing the molecular weight, in Formula (2), R1 to R4 are preferably a methyl group.


In the solution polymerization, from the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate, the polymerization medium preferably contains no other polymerization solvent, and preferably contains only the polymerization solvent A.


-Suspension Polymerization-


In the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, it is preferable to perform suspension polymerization using above-described monomer in the polymerization medium containing the at least one polymerization solvent A selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by Formula (1) or Formula (2) and incompatible with water, and water. In the suspension polymerization, the proportion of water in the polymerization medium is preferably from 10 vol % to 80 vol %.


In Formula (1), Y1 represents a nitrogen atom or an oxygen atom,

    • when Y1 is a nitrogen atom, each of p, m, n, and k is independently an integer satisfying p+m=1 or more and p+mn+n+k=3,
    • when Y1 is an oxygen atom, k is 0, each of p, m, and n is independently an integer satisfying p+m=1 or more and p+m+n=2,
    • when p is 1 or more, n is 1 or more, and
    • each Z1 is independently a group represented by any one of Formulas (T1) to (T3), Formula (T7), Formula (T8), or Formula (T10),
    • in Formula (2), Y3 represents a carbon atom or a silicon atom, and
    • each of R1 to R4 independently represents a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, or a tert-butoxy group, and
    • in Formulas (T1) to (T3), Formula (T7), Formula (T8), and Formula (T10), each A1 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, or —NR2,
    • each A2 independently represents a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, or —NR2, each R independently represents a methyl group or a tert-butyl group, and * represents a binding site.


From the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate and increasing the molecular weight, in Formula (1), Y1 is preferably an oxygen atom.


In a case in which n is 1 or more, from the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate, each Z1 is independently preferably a group represented by any one of Formulas (T1) to (T3), and more preferably a group represented by Formula (T1).


From the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate and increasing the molecular weight, in Formula (2), Y3 is preferably a carbon atom.


From the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate and increasing the molecular weight, in Formula (2), R1 to R4 are preferably a methyl group.


In the suspension polymerization, from the viewpoint of increasing the polymerization rate, the polymerization medium preferably contains no other polymerization solvent. The proportion of the polymerization solvent A and water in the polymerization medium is preferably 90 mol % or more, and more preferably composed only of the polymerization solvent A and water.


(Monomer Containing Tetrafluoroethylene)


In the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, a monomer containing tetrafluoroethylene (hereinafter, referred to as “TFE”) is polymerized. That is, a fluorine-containing copolymer obtained by the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure includes a structural unit derived from TFE. The fluorine-containing copolymer may be a homopolymer composed only of TFE, that is, may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).


In the disclosure, the “monomer” is a compound used for polymerization, and means a polymerizable compound having a polymerizable group. In the disclosure, the “monomer” means a compound having a number average molecular weight of 1000 or less, and is distinguished from an oligomer and a polymer.


A monomer other than TFE may be included in the monomer used for polymerization. That is, the fluorine-containing copolymer may include a structural unit other than the structural unit derived from TFE. The monomer other than TFE may be used singly, or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.


The monomer other than TFE is not particularly limited as long as it has a polymerizable group.


The polymerizable group is preferably a radical polymerizable group and more preferably an ethylenically unsaturated group. Examples of the ethylenically unsaturated group include a vinyl group, a vinyl ether group, a vinyl ester group, and a (meth)acryloyl group.


Examples of the monomer other than TFE include olefin, vinyl ether, vinyl ester, vinyl amide, styrenes, maleimides, (meth)acrylic acid ester, (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylamide, and (meth)acrylonitrile.


The monomer used for polymerization preferably further include a fluorine-containing monomer having a fluorine atom other than TFE, and the fluorine-containing monomer preferably includes at least one selected from the group consisting of fluorine-containing monomers represented by the following Formulas (X1), (X2), and (X3).





CX1X2=C(X3)—(O)n1—Rf1R10  (X1)




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          • In Formula (X1), each of X1, X2, and X3 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, Rf1 represents a perfluoroalkylene group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and an etheric oxygen atom may be contained between carbon-carbon bonds of the perfluoroalkylene group,







    • R10 represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, —SO2R11, —COR11, or a cyano group, each R11 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a hydroxyl group, or an alkoxy group, and n1 is0 or 1.





In Formula (X2), each of X4 and X1 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, each of Rf2 and Rf3 independently represents a perfluoroalkyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a fluorine atom, and an etheric oxygen atom may be contained between carbon-carbon bonds of the perfluoroalkyl group.


In Formula (X3), each of X6, X8, and X9 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom,

    • each X7 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or a trifluoromethyl group,
    • each R20 independently represents a fluorine atom or —Rf4—R30
    • each R40 independently represents a fluorine atom or -Rf5-R50
    • each of Rf4 and Rf5 independently represents a perfluoroalkylene group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and an etheric oxygen atom may be contained between carbon-carbon bonds of the perfluoroalkylene group, and
    • each of R30 and R50 independently represents —SO2R11, —COR11, or a cyano group.


<Fluorine-Containing Monomer Represented by Formula (X1)>


In Formula (X1), the number of carbon atoms of the perfluoroalkylene group represented by Rf1 is preferably from 1 to 3.


From the viewpoint of chemical stability of the monomer and the polymer, R10 is preferably a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom.


In Formula (X1), examples of the compound in which n1 is 1 include perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) (hereinafter, also referred to as “PAVE”).


Examples of PAVE include CF2=CFOCF3 (hereinafter, also referred to as “PMVE”), CF2=CFOCF2CF3, CF2=CFOCF2CF2CF3 (hereinafter, also referred to as “PPVE”), CF2=CFOCF2CF2CF2CF3, and CF2=CFO(CF2)8F.


Among them, PAVE is preferably PMVE or PPVE.


In Formula (X1), examples of the compound in which n1 is 0 include hexafluoropropylene (hereinafter, also referred to as “HFP”) and fluoroalkylethylene (hereinafter, also referred to as “FAE”).


Examples of FAE include CH2=CH(CF2)2F (hereinafter, also referred to as “PFEE”), CH2=CH(CF2)3F, CH2=CH(CF2)4F (hereinafter, also referred to as “PFBE”), CH2=CF(CF2)3H, CH2=CF(CF2)4H.


Among them, FAE is preferably PFEE or PFBE.


<Fluorine-Containing Monomer Represented by Formula (X2)>


In Formula (X2), the number of carbon atoms of the perfluoroalkyl groups represented by Rf2 and Rf3 are each independently preferably from 1 to 3.


Examples of the fluorine-containing monomer represented by Formula (2) include the following compounds.




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<Fluorine-Containing Monomer Represented by Formula (X3)>


In Formula (X3), the number of carbon atoms of the perfluoroalkylene groups represented by Rf4 and Rf5 are each independently preferably from 1 to 3.


Examples of the fluorine-containing monomer represented by Formula (3) include the following compounds.




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<Other Fluorine-Containing Monomer>


The monomer used for polymerization may include other fluorine-containing monomer which is other than the fluorine-containing monomers represented by Formulas (X1), (X2), and (X3).


Examples of the other fluorine-containing monomer include

    • fluoroolefins such as vinylidene fluoride, vinyl fluoride, trifluoroethylene, and hexafluoroisobutylene; and
    • fluorine-containing monomers having two ethylenically unsaturated groups such as CF2=CFOCF2CF=CF2 and CF2=CFO(CF2)2CF=CF2.


In the case of containing vinylidene fluoride as the other fluorine-containing monomer, the content of the vinylidene fluoride is preferably from 1 mol % to 50 mol % with respect to the total amount of monomers used for polymerization.


Among them, the monomer used for polymerization preferably further includes at least one fluorine-containing monomer selected from the group consisting of HFP and PAVE.


That is, the fluorine-containing copolymer obtained by the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure is preferably a copolymer including at least one selected from the group consisting of a structural unit derived from TFE, a structural unit derived from HFP, and a structural unit derived from PAVE.


Examples of a preferred embodiment include a copolymer including a structural unit derived from TFE and a structural unit derived from HFP. This copolymer is called “FEP”.


Examples of another preferred embodiment include a copolymer including a structural unit derived from TFE and a structural unit derived from PAVE. This copolymer is called “PFA” or “FFKM”.


The content of the structural unit derived from TFE in PFA is preferably from 80 mol % to 99.9 mol %, more preferably from 90 mol % to 99.5 mol %, and still more preferably from 95 mol % to 99 mol % with respect to the total structural units of the obtained fluorine-containing copolymer.


The content of the structural unit derived from TFE in FFKM is preferably from 30 mol % to 80 mol % and more preferably from 50 mol % to 78 mol % with respect to the total structural units of the obtained fluorine-containing copolymer.


The content of the structural unit derived from HFP in FEP is preferably 40 mol % or less, more preferably 30 mol % or less, and still more preferably 20 mol % or less with respect to the total structural units of the obtained fluorine-containing copolymer.


The content of the structural unit derived from PAVE in PFA is preferably from 0.1 mol % to 20 mol %, more preferably from 0.5 mol % to 10 mol %, and still more preferably from 1 mol % to 5 mol % with respect to the total structural units of the obtained fluorine-containing copolymer.


The content of the structural unit derived from PAVE in FFKM is preferably from 20 mol % to 70 mol % and more preferably from 22 mol % to 50 mol % with respect to the total structural units of the obtained fluorine-containing copolymer.


<Non-Fluorinated Monomer>


The monomer used for polymerization may include a monomer having no fluorine atom (hereinafter, referred to as “non-fluorinated monomer”).


The non-fluorinated monomer is not particularly limited as long as it does not have a fluorine atom and has a polymerizable group.


The polymerizable group is preferably a radical polymerizable group and more preferably an ethylenically unsaturated group. Examples of the ethylenically unsaturated group include a vinyl group, a vinyl ether group, a vinyl ester group, and a (meth)acryloyl group.


Examples of the non-fluorinated monomer include compounds having no fluorine atom of olefin, vinyl ether, vinyl ester, vinyl amide, styrenes, maleimides, (meth)acrylic acid ester, (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylamide, and (meth)acrylonitrile.


In particular, from the viewpoint of the polymerization rate and the copolymerizability with a fluorine-containing monomer, the monomer used for polymerization preferably further includes a non-fluorinated monomer having no fluorine atom and having an ethylenically unsaturated group.


From the viewpoint of solubility, the monomer used for polymerization preferably further includes a non-fluorinated monomer having no fluorine atom, having an ethylenically unsaturated group, and having a reactive group.


The reactive group is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a reactive silyl group, an amino group, an isocyanato group, a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an acid anhydride residue, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a carboxy group, and a carboxylic acyl group, and is more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an acid anhydride residue, an alkoxylcarbonyl group, a carboxy group, and a carboxylic acyl group.


In a case in which the monomer used for polymerization includes a non-fluorinated monomer having no fluorine atom, having an ethylenically unsaturated group, and having a reactive group, it is preferable that the polymerization medium does not contain water.


The reactive silyl group means a group in which a reactive group is bonded to a silicon atom (Si atom). The reactive group is preferably a hydrolyzable group or a hydroxyl group.


The hydrolyzable group is a group that becomes a hydroxyl group by a hydrolysis reaction. That is, the hydrolyzable silyl group represented by Si-L becomes a silanol group represented by Si—OH by a hydrolysis reaction. Examples of the hydrolyzable group include an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a halogen atom, an acyl group, an acyloxy group, and an isocyanato group (—NCO). The alkoxy group is preferably an alkoxy group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. However, the aryl group of the aryloxy group includes a heteroaryl group. The halogen atom is preferably a chlorine atom. The acyl group is preferably an acyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The acyloxy group is preferably an acyloxy group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.


The reactive silyl group is preferably a group represented by the following Formula (A).





—Si(RA)wL3-w  (A)


Each RA is independently a hydrocarbon group, each L is independently a hydrolyzable group or a hydroxyl group, and n is an integer from 0 to 2.


In a case in which there are a plurality of reactive silyl groups in one molecule, the plurality of reactive silyl groups may be the same as or different from each other. From the viewpoint of availability of raw materials and ease of production of the compound, the plurality of reactive silyl groups are preferably the same.


Each RA is independently a hydrocarbon group and preferably a saturated hydrocarbon group. The number of carbon atoms of RA is preferably from 1 to 6, more preferably from 1 to 3, and still more preferably 1 to 2.


As the hydrolyzable group, those described above are preferable.


In particular, from the viewpoint of ease of production of the compound, Lis preferably an alkoxy group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a halogen atom. From the viewpoint of more excellent storage stability of the compound, L is preferably an alkoxy group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethoxy group or a methoxy group.


w is an integer from 0 to 2, preferably 0 or 1, and more preferably 0.


In a case in which w is 1 or less, a plurality of L present in one molecule may be the same as or different from each other. From the viewpoint of availability of raw materials and ease of production of the compound, the plurality of L are preferably the same. In a case in which w is 2, a plurality of RA present in one molecule may be the same as or different from each other. From the viewpoint of availability of raw materials and ease of production of the compound, the plurality of RA are preferably the same.


Examples of the monomer having a reactive silyl group include vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, p-styryltrimethoxysilane, 2-methacryloxyethyltrimethoxysilane, 2-methacryloxyethyltriethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltriethoxysilane, 4-methacryloxybutyltrimethoxysilane, 4-methacryloxybutyltriethoxysilane, 2-acryloxyethyltrimethoxysilane, 2-acryloxyethyltriethoxysilane, 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-acryloxypropyltriethoxysilane, 4-acryloxybutyltrimethoxysilane, and 4-acryloxybutyltriethoxysilane.


Examples of the monomer having an amino group include: (meth)acrylates having an amino group such as N,N-dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, N,N-dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylate, 1-(N,N-dimethylamino)-1,1-dimethylmethyl (meth)acrylate, N,N-dimethylaminohexyl (meth)acrylate, N,N-diethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, N,N-diisopropylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, N,N-di-n-butylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, N,N-di-i-butylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, morpholinoethyl (meth)acrylate, piperidinoethyl (meth)acrylate, 1-pyrrolidinoethyl (meth)acrylate, N,N-methyl-2-pyrrolidylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, N,N-methylphenylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, and t-butylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate; and (meth)acrylamides having an amino group such as 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl (meth)acrylamide, 2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethyl (meth)acrylamide, 3-(N,N-diethylamino)propyl (meth)acrylamide, 3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl (meth)acrylamide, 1-(N,N-dimethylamino)-1,1-dimethylmethyl (meth)acrylamide, and 6-(N,N-diethylamino)hexyl (meth)acrylamide.


Examples of the monomer having an isocyanato group include 2-isocyanatoethyl


(meth)acrylate, 3-isocyanatopropyl (meth)acrylate, 4-isocyanatobutyl (meth)acrylate, and 2-(2-methacryloyloxyethyloxy)ethyl isocyanate.


The monomer having an isocyanato group may be blocked with a blocking agent. Examples of the blocking agent include pyrazoles such as 3,5-dimethylpyrazole; oximes such as 2-butanone oxime; and lactams such as F-caprolactam.


Examples of the monomer having a hydroxyl group include: (meth)acrylates such as 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, and 4-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate;

    • vinyl ethers such as hydroxyethyl vinyl ether, hydroxypropyl vinyl ether, and hydroxybutyl vinyl ether; and
    • allyl ethers such as hydroxyethyl allyl ether, hydroxypropyl allyl ether, and hydroxybutyl allyl ether.


Examples of the monomer having an epoxy group include glycidyl (meth)acrylate.


Examples of the monomer having an acid anhydride residue include itaconic anhydride, citraconic anhydride, 5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride, and maleic anhydride.


Examples of the monomer having an alkoxycarbonyl group include methyl (meth)acrylate, butyl acrylate, and methyl 3-butenoate.


Examples of the polymerizable monomer having a carboxy group include (meth)acrylic acid, itaconic acid, 2-(meth)acryloyloxyethylsuccinic acid, and 2-(meth)acryloyloxyhexahydrophthalic acid.


Examples of the monomer having a carboxylic acyl group include vinyl methyl ketone, allyl methyl ketone, and vinyl acetate.


In the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, the content of the structural unit derived from TFE is preferably 30 mol % or more, more preferably 40 mol % or more, and still more preferably 50 mol % or more with respect to the total structural units of the obtained fluorine-containing copolymer.


The content of the structural unit derived from the monomer other than TFE is preferably 70 mol % or less, more preferably 60 mol % or less, and still more preferably 50 mol % or less with respect to the total structural units of the obtained fluorine-containing copolymer.


As a preferred embodiment, the monomer used for polymerization further includes at least one fluorine-containing monomer selected from the group consisting of HFP and PAVE, and a non-fluorinated monomer having no fluorine atom, having an ethylenically unsaturated group, and having an acid anhydride residue.


In the above-described embodiment, the content of the structural unit derived from TFE is preferably 30 mol % or more, more preferably 40 mol % or more, and still more preferably 50 mol % or more with respect to the total structural units of the obtained fluorine-containing copolymer.


In the above-described embodiment, the content of the structural unit derived from at least one fluorine-containing monomer selected from the group consisting of HFP and PAVE is preferably from 1 mol % to 30 mol %, more preferably from 2 mol % to 20 mol %, and still more preferably from 3 mol % to 15 mol % with respect to the total structural units of the obtained fluorine-containing copolymer.


In the above-described embodiment, the content of the structural unit derived from the non-fluorinated monomer having no fluorine atom, having an ethylenically unsaturated group, and having an acid anhydride residue is preferably from 1 to 20 mol %, more preferably from 1 to 15 mol %, and still more preferably from 1 to 10 mol % with respect to the total structural units of the obtained fluorine-containing copolymer.


In the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, the content of TFE is preferably 10 mol % or more and more preferably 15 mol % or more with respect to the total amount of monomers used for polymerization.


The content of the monomer other than TFE is preferably 90 mol % or less and more preferably 85 mol % or less with respect to the total amount of monomers used for polymerization.


As a preferred embodiment, the monomer used for polymerization further includes at least one fluorine-containing monomer selected from the group consisting of HFP and PAVE.


In the case of containing PAVE and polymerizing PFA, the content of TFE is preferably 70 mol % or more and more preferably 80 mol % or more with respect to the total amount of monomers used for polymerization.


In the case of containing PAVE and polymerizing FFKM, the content of TFE is preferably 10 mol % or more and more preferably 20 mol % or more with respect to the total amount of monomers used for polymerization.


In the case of containing HFP, the content of TFE is preferably 10 mol % or more and more preferably 20 mol % or more with respect to the total amount of monomers used for polymerization.


In the case of containing PAVE and polymerizing PFA, the content of PAVE is preferably 30 mol % or less and more preferably 20 mol % or less with respect to the total amount of monomers used for polymerization.


In the case of containing PAVE and polymerizing FFKM, the content of PAVE is preferably 90 mol % or less and more preferably 80 mol % or less with respect to the total amount of monomers used for polymerization.


In the case of containing HFP, the content of HFP is preferably 90 mol % or less and more preferably 80 mol % or less with respect to the total amount of monomers used for polymerization. [0139](Polymerization Initiator) In the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, a polymerization initiator is preferably used for initiating the polymerization reaction.


The polymerization initiator is preferably a radical polymerization initiator. Examples of the radical polymerization initiator include azo compounds such as azobisisobutyronitrile and 2,2′-azobis(4-methoxy-2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile); peroxydicarbonates such as diisopropyl peroxydicarbonate; peroxy esters such as tert-butyl peroxypivalate, tert-butyl peroxyisobutyrate, and tert-butyl peroxyacetate; non-fluorine-containing diacyl peroxides such as diisobutyryl peroxide, octanoyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, and lauroyl peroxide; fluorine-containing diacyl peroxides such as (Z(CF2)pCOO)2 (Z is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or a chlorine atom, and p is an integer from 1 to 10); perfluoro-tert-butyl peroxide; and inorganic peroxides such as potassium persulfate, sodium persulfate, and ammonium persulfate. [0141](Chain Transfer Agent) In the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, the polymerization reaction may be performed in the presence of a chain transfer agent. In the presence of the chain transfer agent, the molecular weight of the fluorine-containing copolymer to be produced is easily adjusted.


Examples of the chain transfer agent include alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol, and 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropanol; hydrocarbons such as n-pentane, n-hexane, and cyclohexane; hydrofluorocarbons such as CF2H2; ketones such as acetone;mercaptans such as methyl mercaptan; esters such as methyl acetate and ethyl acetate; and ethers such as diethyl ether and methyl ethyl ether. [0143](Polymerization Form) In the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, for example, the polymerization reaction is allowed to proceed by continuously or intermittently adding a monomer containing TFE into a polymerization medium. In the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, it is preferable that there is only one reaction step.


For example, in the case of obtaining a block copolymer, a polymerization reaction is performed using only a first monomer among monomers used for polymerization (first step), and after completion of the reaction in the first step, a polymerization reaction is performed by adding a second monomer (second step), thereby obtaining a structure in which a first block derived from the first monomer and a second block derived from the second monomer are linked to each other.


In this regard, in the case of obtaining a random copolymer, by performing the polymerization reaction once using all the monomers used for polymerization, a structure in which structural units derived from the monomers used for polymerization are randomly arranged is obtained. All the monomers used for polymerization reaction may be added into the polymerization medium before the completion of the polymerization reaction, and all the monomers are not necessarily added at a time. [0146](Polymerization Conditions) In the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, 0.5≤Msol × S/Mmon ≤1.0 is preferably satisfied in a stage during the polymerization, where Msol is the amount of substance (mol) of the polymerization solvent A, S is the solubility (mol/mol) of TFE in the polymerization solvent A, and Mmon is the amount of substance (mol) of TFE dissolved in the polymerization medium.


In the disclosure, the term “during the polymerization” means the time during which a fluorine-containing copolymer containing TFE is produced.


In a case in which the polymerization medium is composed only of the polymerization solvent A, and no polymerization medium other than the polymerization solvent A is contained, Msol X S/Mmon is 1.0. In a case in which the polymerization medium contains a polymerization medium other than the polymerization solvent A, Msol × S/Mmon is less than 1.0.


In a case in which Msol × S/Mmon is from 0.5 to 1.0, chain transfer by the polymerization medium is suppressed to improve the polymerization rate. From the viewpoint of further improving the polymerization rate, Msol × S/Mmon is more preferably from 0.7 to 1.0 and still more preferably from 0.85 to 1.0.


<Amount of Substance of Polymerization Solvent A, Msol>


Msol, which represents the amount of substance of the polymerization solvent A, is calculated using the following equation.


Msol (mol)=weight (g) of the polymerization solvent A/molecular weight of the polymerization solvent A


As the weight of the polymerization solvent A, a value obtained by measurement under atmospheric pressure is employed.


<Solubility S of TFE in Polymerization Solvent A>


The solubility of TFE in the polymerization solvent A, S, is calculated by the following method.


First, the vapor pressure of the polymerization solvent A, Psol, is measured. Psol is a pressure indicated when the polymerization medium is placed in a stainless steel autoclave equipped with a stirrer, degassing by freeze-pump-thaw is performed twice, and then the internal temperature of the reactor is held at a predetermined temperature T. T means the liquid phase temperature. The temperature of the gas-phase part is regarded as the same as the liquid phase temperature.


The weighed polymerization solvent A is placed in a stainless steel autoclave equipped with a stirrer. Based on the weight (g) of the weighed polymerization solvent A, the amount of substance of the polymerization solvent A, M′ (mol), is calculated.


Subsequently, the weighed TFE gas is placed in the stainless steel autoclave equipped with a stirrer. The charged amount of the TFE gas, Maln (mol), is calculated according to the following equation using the weight of the weighed gas, W (g).







M
all

=

W
/
100





After a sufficient length of time, when the pressure becomes constant, this pressure is defined as the total pressure Pall.


The partial pressure of the TFE gas, Pmon, is calculated according to the following equation.







P
mon

=


P
all

-

P
sol






The volume of the gas-phase part of the stainless steel autoclave equipped with a stirrer, V, is calculated according to the following equation.


V=volume of the stainless steel autoclave equipped with a stirrer—volume of the polymerization solvent A


The amount of substance of the TFE gas present in the gas-phase part of the stainless steel autoclave equipped with a stirrer, Mg (mol), is calculated according to the following equation. R means a gas constant.







M
g

=


P
mon


V
/
RT





The amount of substance of the TFE gas dissolved in the polymerization solvent A, M′mon (mol), is calculated according to the following equation.








M


mon

=


M
all

-

M
g






The solubility of TFE in the polymerization solvent A, S, is calculated according to the following equation.










S
=
M



mon

/
M






<Amount of Substance of TFE Dissolved in Polymerization Medium, Mmon>


The amount of substance of TFE dissolved in the polymerization medium, Mmon, is calculated by the following method.


First, the vapor pressure of the polymerization medium, P′sol, is measured. P′sol is a pressure indicated when the polymerization medium is placed in a stainless steel autoclave equipped with a stirrer, degassing by freeze-pump-thaw is performed twice, and then the internal temperature of the reactor is held at a predetermined temperature T. T means the liquid phase temperature. The temperature of the gas-phase part is regarded as the same as the liquid phase temperature.


Subsequently, the weighed TFE gas is placed in the stainless steel autoclave equipped with a stirrer. The charged amount of the TFE gas, M′all (mol), is calculated according to the following equation using the weight of the weighed gas, W′ (g).










M


all

=
W



/
100




After a sufficient length of time, when the pressure becomes constant, this pressure is defined as the total pressure P′all.


The partial pressure of the gas of TFE, P′mon, is calculated according to the following equation.













P


mon

=
P



all

-
P



sol




The volume of the gas-phase part of the stainless steel autoclave equipped with a stirrer, V′, is calculated according to the following equation.


V′=volume of the stainless steel autoclave equipped with a stirrer—volume of the polymerization medium


The amount of substance of the mixed gas with TFE present in the gas-phase part of the stainless steel autoclave equipped with a stirrer, M′g (mol), is calculated according to the following equation. R means a gas constant.













M


g

=
P



mon

×
V



/
RT




The amount of substance of the TFE gas dissolved in the polymerization medium, Mmon (mol), is calculated according to the following equation.












M
mon

=
M



all

-
M



g




In the method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure, the polymerization temperature is preferably from 0° C. to 100° C. and more preferably from 20° C. to 90° C. The polymerization pressure is preferably from 0.1 MPaG to 10 MPaG and more preferably from 0.5 MPaG to 3 MPaG. The polymerization time is preferably from 1 hour to 30 hours and more preferably from 2 hour to 20 hours.


[Fluorine-Containing Copolymer]


The fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure includes a structural unit derived from TFE.


The fluorine-containing copolymer of the disclosure may include a structural unit other than the structural unit derived from TFE.


EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, the disclosure will be more specifically described with reference to Examples, but the disclosure is not limited to the following Examples without departing from the gist thereof.


Example 1

After a stainless steel autoclave having an internal volume of 600 mL and equipped with a stirrer was immersed in an ice-water bath and held for 10 minutes, 360 mL (4.3 mol) of dimethyl carbonate (in the table, “DMC”) was charged as a polymerization medium, and degassing by freeze-pump-thaw was performed twice.


The internal temperature of the reactor was increased to 30° C. with stirring, and CF2=CFOCF2CF2CF3 (PPVE) and TFE (TFE: PPVE (molar ratio)=84: 16) were injected as monomers so that the internal pressure of the reactor was 2.0 MPaG. As a polymerization initiator, 22 mg (0.13 mmol) of diisobutyryl peroxide (product name “PEROYL TB”, manufactured by NOF Corporation, “IBPO” in the table) was injected, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 200 rpm (200 revolutions per minute) for 3 hours while the internal temperature was kept at 30° C. Thus, a polymer solution containing a copolymer of TFE and PPVE was obtained.


The reactor was allowed to cool at room temperature, and unreacted TFE and PPVE were discharged.


The obtained polymer solution was charged into methanol, and then the precipitate was collected by filtration. The precipitate was dried in a vacuum oven at 40° C. for 12 hours. 73 g of a copolymer of TFE and PPVE was obtained. TFE unit: PPVE unit was 97: 3 (molar ratio).


Dimethyl carbonate corresponds to the compound represented by Formula (1), in Formula (1), Y1 is an oxygen atom, p is 1, m is 0, n is 1, k is 0, Z1 is the group represented by Formula (T1), and in Formula (T1), A1 is —OR, and R is a methyl group.


Example 2

44 g of a copolymer of TFE and PPVE was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the polymerization initiator was changed to 2,2′-azobis(4-methoxy-2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (product name “V70”, manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation, “AMVN” in the table) and the polymerization temperature was changed to 35° C. TFE unit: PPVE unit was 98: 2 (molar ratio).


Example 3

55 g of a copolymer of TFE and PPVE was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the polymerization initiator was changed to tert-butyl peroxypivalate (product name “PERBUTYL PV”, manufactured by NOF Corporation, “PBPV” in the table) and the polymerization temperature was changed to 66° C. TFE unit: PPVE unit was 98: 2 (molar ratio).


Example 4

26 g of a copolymer of TFE and PPVE was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the polymerization medium was changed to t-butylamine (in the table, “TBA”). TFE unit: PPVE unit was 98: 2 (molar ratio). t-Butylamine corresponds to the compound represented by Formula (1), and in Formula (1), Y1 is a nitrogen atom, p is 0, m is 1, n is 0, and k is 2.


Examples 5 to 7

A copolymer of TFE and HFP was obtained by the same method as in Examples 1 to 3, except that TFE and HFP (TFE: HFP (molar ratio)=15: 85) were used as monomers.


In Example 5, 142 g of a copolymer (TFE unit: HFP unit=89: 11 (molar ratio)) was obtained.


In Example 6, 78 g of a copolymer (TFE unit: HFP unit=90: 10 (molar ratio)) was obtained.


In Example 7, 99 g of a copolymer (TFE unit: HFP unit=91: 9 (molar ratio)) was obtained.


Example 8

81 g of a copolymer of TFE and PMVE was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that TFE and CF2=CFOCF3 (PMVE) (TFE: PMVE (molar ratio)=25: 75) were used as monomers. TFE unit: PMVE unit was 78: 22 (molar ratio).


Example 9

73 g of PTFE was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that only TFE was used as a monomer.


Example 10

25 g of PTFE was obtained by the same method as in Example 4, except that only TFE was used as a monomer.


Example 11

40 g of a copolymer of TFE, PPVE, and maleic anhydride was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that TFE gas, CF2=CFOCF2CF2CF3 (PPVE), maleic anhydride (TFE: PPVE: maleic anhydride (molar ratio)=83:15: 2) were used as monomers. TFE unit: PPVE unit: maleic anhydride unit was 95: 2: 3 (molar ratio).


Example 12

57 g of a copolymer of TFE, PPVE, and maleic anhydride was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that TFE, HFP, and maleic anhydride (TFE: HFP: maleic anhydride (molar ratio)=14: 84: 2) were used as monomers. TFE unit: PPVE unit: maleic anhydride unit was 88: 9: 3 (molar ratio).


Example 13

6.5 g of a copolymer of TFE and PPVE was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the polymerization medium was changed to di-tert-butyl carbonate (in the table, “Boc20”), the polymerization initiator was changed to diisopropyl peroxydicarbonate (product name “PEROYL IPP”, manufactured by NOF Corporation, “IPP” in the table), and the polymerization temperature was changed to 45° C. TFE unit: PPVE unit was 97: 3 (molar ratio).


Di-tert-butyl carbonate corresponds to the compound represented by Formula (1), in Formula (1), Y1 is an oxygen atom, p is 0, m is 1, n is 1, k is 0, Z1 is the group represented by Formula (T1), and in Formula (T1), A1 is —OR, and R is a tert-butyl group.


Example 14

13 g of a copolymer of TFE and PPVE was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the polymerization medium was changed to neopentane and the polymerization temperature was changed to 20° C. TFE unit: PPVE unit was 98: 2 (molar ratio).


Neopentane corresponds to the compound represented by Formula (2), and in Formula (2), Y3 is a carbon atom, and R1 to R4 is a methyl group.


Example 15

11 g of a copolymer of TFE and HFP was obtained by the same method as in Example 5, except that the polymerization medium was changed to methyl pivalate (in the table, “MePiv”). TFE unit: HFP unit was 91: 9 (molar ratio).


Methyl pivalate corresponds to the compound represented by Formula (1), in Formula (1), Y1 is an oxygen atom, p is 1, m is 0, n is 1, k is 0, Z1 is the group represented by Formula (T1), and in Formula (T1), A1 is a tert-butyl group.


Example 16

24 g of a copolymer of TFE and HFP was obtained by the same method as in Example 5, except that the polymerization medium was changed to trimethyl phosphate (in the table, “TMP”). TFE unit: HFP unit was 89: 11 (molar ratio).


Trimethyl phosphate corresponds to the compound represented by Formula (1), in Formula (1), Y1 is an oxygen atom, p is 1, m is 0, n is 1, k is 0, Z1 is the group represented by Formula (T3), and in Formula (T3), A2 is —OR, and R is a methyl group.


Example 17

44 g of a copolymer of TFE and HFP was obtained by the same method as in Example 5, except that the polymerization medium was changed to tetramethylsilane (in the table, “TMS”) and the polymerization temperature was changed to 25° C. TFE unit: HFP unit was 90: 10 (molar ratio).


Tetramethylsilane corresponds to the compound represented by Formula (2), and in Formula (2), Y3 is a silicon atom, and R1 to R4 is a methyl group. [0172][Example 18]38 g of a copolymer of TFE and PPVE was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the polymerization medium was changed to a mixture of dimethyl carbonate and methyl ethyl ketone (in the table, “MEK”) (dimethyl carbonate : MEK (molar ratio)=85: 15) (in the table, “DMC/MEK=85/15”). TFE unit: PPVE unit was 97: 3 (molar ratio).


Example 19

15 g of a copolymer of TFE and PPVE was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the polymerization medium was changed to a mixture of dimethyl carbonate and MEK (dimethyl carbonate : MEK (molar ratio)=70: 30) (in the table, “DMC/MEK=70/30”).


TFE unit: PPVE unit was 98: 2 (molar ratio).


Example 20

43 g of a copolymer of TFE and PPVE was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the polymerization medium was changed to a mixture of methyl pivalate and dimethyl carbonate (methyl pivalate: dimethyl carbonate (molar ratio)=50: 50) (in the table, “MePiv/DMC=50/50”). TFE unit: PPVE unit was 97: 3 (molar ratio).


Example 21

An attempt was made to obtain a copolymer of TFE and PPVE by the same method as in Example 1, except that the polymerization medium was changed to tert-butyl methyl ether (in the table, “TBME”). However, a copolymer was not obtained. tert-Butyl methyl ether does not correspond to the polymerization solvent A.


Example 22

An attempt was made to obtain a copolymer of TFE, PPVE, and norbornenoic anhydride by the same method as in Example 1, except that TFE, PPVE, and norbornenoic anhydride (TFE: PPVE: norbornenoic anhydride (molar ratio)=83: 15: 2) were used as monomers, and the polymerization medium was changed to 1H-perfluorohexane (in the table, “C6H”). However, although a copolymer was obtained, introduction of an acid anhydride group was not confirmed by IR measurement. 1H-Perfluorohexane does not correspond to the polymerization solvent A.


Example 23

An attempt was made to obtain a copolymer of TFE, HFP, and norbornenoic anhydride by the same method as in Example 1, except that a mixed gas of TFE, HFP, and norbornenoic anhydride (TFE: HFP: norbornenoic anhydride (molar ratio)=14: 84: 2) was used as monomers, and the polymerization medium was changed to 1H-perfluorohexane. However, although a copolymer was obtained, introduction of an acid anhydride group was not confirmed by 1R measurement. 1H-Perfluorohexane does not correspond to the polymerization solvent A.


Example 24

16 g of a copolymer of TFE and PPVE was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the polymerization medium was changed to a mixture of dimethyl carbonate and water (content of water: 20 vol %) (in the table, “DMC/water”). TFE unit: PPVE unit was 97: 3 (molar ratio).


Example 25

28 g of a copolymer of TFE and HFP was obtained by the same method as in Example 5, except that the polymerization medium was changed to a mixture of dimethyl carbonate and water (content of water: 20 vol %) (in the table, “DMC/water”). TFE unit: HFP unit was 89 11 (molar ratio).


The polymerization rate in the production methods of Examples 1 to 25 and the melt flow rate values (MFR values) of the copolymers obtained in Examples 1 to 25 were measured. In Example 8, instead of the MFR value, the storage modulus was measured. Msol×S/Mmon, where Msol is the amount of substance (mol) of the polymerization solvent A, S is the solubility (mol/mol) of TFE in the polymerization solvent A, and Mmon is the amount of substance (mol) of TFE dissolved in the polymerization medium, during the polymerization was calculated. The measurement methods and the calculation methods were as follows. In the table, “-” means that the measurement was impossible.


<Polymerization Rate>


The polymerization rate was calculated according to the following equation.


Polymerization rate (g/h L)=yield (g) of the obtained copolymer/{polymerization time (h)-volume (L) of the polymerization solvent}


The polymerization solvent herein does not include the polymerization initiator.


<MFR Value>


The mass (g) of the copolymer that flowed out in 10 minutes from an orifice with a diameter of 2.095 mm and a length of 8.000 mm under the conditions of a temperature of 372° C. and a load of 49.0 N was measured using a thermal flow evaluation apparatus (product name “FLOW TESTER CFT-100EX” manufactured by SHIMADZU CORPORATION) in accordance with ASTM D3159, to determine the MFR (g/10 min).


<Storage Modulus G′>


In accordance with ASTM D6204, the value at 50 cpm was measured under the conditions of a temperature of 100° C. and a strain of 7%.


<SSG>


Measurement was performed in accordance with ASTM D1457:91a and ASTM D4895:91a.


<Ratio of Each Monomer>


The ratio of each structural unit in the polymer was determined from 19F-NMR analysis, fluorine content analysis, or infrared absorption spectrum analysis.





<Msol ×S/Mmon>


First, as described above, Msol, which is the amount of substance (mol) of the polymerization solvent A, S, which is the solubility (mol/mol) of TFE in the polymerization solvent A, and Mmon, which is the amount of substance (mol) of TFE dissolved in the polymerization medium, were calculated. Thereafter, Msol × S/Mmon was calculated using Msol, S, and Mmon.


In Table 1, the types of the monomer, the polymerization medium, and the polymerization initiator, the polymerization rate, MFR (storage modulus in Example 8, SSG in Examples 9 and 10), and Msol × S/Mmon are described.



















TABLE 1










Polymerization



Polymerization





Polymerization
Polymerization
rate
MFR
G′

temperature
Msol × S/



Monomer
medium
initiator
[g/(L · h)]
[g/10 min]
[kPa]
SSG
[° C.]
Mmon

























Example 1
TFE, PPVE
DMC
IBPO
40
3.0


30
0.99


Example 2
TFE, PPVE
DMC
AMVN
24
10


35
0.99


Example 3
TFE, PPVE
DMC
PBPV
30
5.9


66
0.99


Example 4
TFE, PPVE
TBA
IBPO
14
8.5


30
0.99


Example 5
TFE, HFP
DMC
IBPO
79
3.5


30
0.99


Example 6
TFE, HFP
DMC
AMVN
43
12


35
0.99


Example 7
TFE, HFP
DMC
PBPV
55
9.0


66
0.99


Example 8
TFE, PMVE
DMC
IBPO
45

297

30
0.99


Example 9
TFE
DMC
IBPO
40


2.30
30
0.99


Example
TFE
TBA
IBPO
14


2.45
30
0.99


10


Example
TFE, PPVE,
DMC
IBPO
22
16


30
0.99


11
maleic



anhydride


Example
TFE, HFP,
DMC
IBPO
31
22


30
0.99


12
maleic



anhydride


Example
TFE, PPVE
Boc2O
IPP
3.6
35


45
0.99


13


Example
TFE, PPVE
Neopentane
IBPO
7.3
16


30
0.99


14


Example
TFE, HFP
MePiv
IBPO
6.0
57


30
0.99


15


Example
TFE, HFP
TMP
IBPO
13
44


30
0.99


16


Example
TFE, HFP
TMS
IBPO
25
35


25
0.99


17


Example
TFE, PPVE
DMC/MEK =
IBPO
21
27


30
0.84


18

85/15


Example
TFE, PPVE
DMC/MEK =
IBPO
8.6
81


30
0.69


19

70/30


Example
TFE, PPVE
MePiv/DMC =
IBPO
24
20


30
0.99


20

50/50


Example
TFE, PPVE
TBME
IBPO




30
0.99


21


Example
TFE, PPVE,
C6H
IBPO
60
Unmeasurable


30
0.99


22
norbornenoic



anhydride


Example
TFE, HFP,
C6H
IBPO
43
Unmeasurable


30
0.99


23
norbornenoic



anhydride


Example
TFE, PPVE
DMC/water
IBPO
8.9
9.9


30
0.99


24


Example
TFE, HFP
DMC/water
IBPO
16
13


30
0.99


25









As shown in Table 1, it was found that in Examples 1 to 20 and Examples 24 and 25, since polymerization was performed using a monomer containing TFE in a polymerization medium containing at least one polymerization solvent A selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by Formulas (1) to (3), the polymerization rate was higher than before.


The entire contents of the disclosures by Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-112714 filed on Jul. 13, 2022 are incorporated herein by reference. All the literature, patent application, and technical standards cited herein are also herein incorporated to the same extent as provided for specifically and severally with respect to an individual literature, patent application, and technical standard to the effect that the same should be so incorporated by reference.

Claims
  • 1. A method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer, the method comprising performing polymerization using a monomer containing tetrafluoroethylene in a polymerization medium containing at least one polymerization solvent A selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following Formulas (1) to (3):
  • 2. The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to claim 1, wherein: the monomer further includes a fluorine-containing monomer having a fluorine atom other than the tetrafluoroethylene, andthe fluorine-containing monomer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of fluorine-containing monomers represented by the following Formulas (X1), (X2), and (X3): CX1X2=C(X3)—(O)n1—Rf4R10  (X1)
  • 3. The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to claim 1, wherein the monomer further includes at least one fluorine-containing monomer selected from the group consisting of hexafluoropropylene and perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether).
  • 4. The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to claim 1, wherein the monomer further includes a non-fluorinated monomer having no fluorine atom and having an ethylenically unsaturated group.
  • 5. The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to claim 1, wherein the monomer further includes a non-fluorinated monomer having no fluorine atom, having an ethylenically unsaturated group, and having at least one reactive group selected from the group consisting of a reactive silyl group, an amino group, an isocyanato group, a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an acid anhydride residue, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a carboxy group, and a carboxylic acyl group.
  • 6. The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to claim 1, wherein the monomer further includes a non-fluorinated monomer having no fluorine atom, having an ethylenically unsaturated group, and having at least one reactive group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an acid anhydride residue, an alkoxylcarbonyl group, a carboxy group, and a carboxylic acyl group.
  • 7. The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to claim 1, wherein the monomer further includes: at least one fluorine-containing monomer selected from the group consisting of hexafluoropropylene and perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether), anda non-fluorinated monomer having no fluorine atom, having an ethylenically unsaturated group, and having an acid anhydride residue.
  • 8. The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to claim 1, wherein: a proportion of water in the polymerization medium is less than 10 vol %, and solution polymerization is performed using the monomer in the polymerization medium.
  • 9. The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to claim 1, wherein suspension polymerization is performed using the monomer in a polymerization medium containing the at least one polymerization solvent A selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by Formula (1) or Formula (2) and being incompatible with water, and water, and wherein: a proportion of water in the polymerization medium is from 10 vol % to 80 vol %,in Formula (1), Y1 represents a nitrogen atom or an oxygen atom,when Y1 is a nitrogen atom, each of p, m, n, and k is independently an integer satisfying p+m=1 or more and p+m+n+k=3,when Y1 is an oxygen atom, k is 0, each of p, m, and n is independently an integer satisfying p+m=1 or more and p+m+n=2,when p is 1 or more, n is 1 or more, andeach Z1 is independently a group represented by any one of Formulas (T1) to (T3), Formula (T7), Formula (T8), or Formula (T10),in Formula (2), Y3 represents a carbon atom or a silicon atom, andeach of R1 to R4 independently represents a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, or a tert-butoxy group, andin Formulas (T1) to (T3), Formula (T7), Formula (T8), and Formula (T10), each A1 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, or —NR2,each A2 independently represents a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, —OR, or —NR2, each R independently represents a methyl group or a tert-butyl group, and * represents a binding site.
  • 10. The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to claim 1, wherein, in Formula (1), each Z1 is independently a group represented by any one of Formulas (T1) to (T3).
  • 11. The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to claim 1, wherein, in Formula (1), each Z1 is independently a group represented by Formula (T1).
  • 12. The method for producing a fluorine-containing copolymer according to claim 1, wherein, in Formula (2), Y3 represents a carbon atom.
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
2022-112714 Jul 2022 JP national
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2023/025195, filed Jul. 6, 2023, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-112714 filed Jul. 13, 2022. Each of the above applications is hereby expressly incorporated by reference, in its entirety, into the present application.

Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent PCT/JP2023/025195 Jul 2023 WO
Child 19013540 US