Physicochemical Properties of Polyether-Modified Fluorosilicone Surfactants in Ethanol/Water Mixed Solutions

A series of polyether-modified fluorosilicone surfactants (FSiPEs) with different numbers of trifluoropropyl groups were synthesized in this paper, aiming to explore the constitutive law of pendant trifluoropropyl groups. The chemical compositions of the synthesized surfactants were characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR. The physicochemical properties of the FSiPEs in aqueous and 75% ethanol solutions were systematically evaluated by transmission electron microscopy and equilibrium/dynamic surface tension, dynamic contact angle, foam scanning, and dynamic light scattering tests. The FSiPEs showed high surface activity in aqueous (γ_CAC = 28.86 mN/m) and 75% ethanol solutions (γ_CAC = 21.33 mN/m) along with excellent foaming properties and foam stability. Moreover, the FSiPEs showed good wetting properties on low-energy surfaces and could spontaneously assemble into vesicles in aqueous solution. The results of this study could guide future research on enhancing the scope of the applicability of trifluoropropyl-enhanced fluorosilicone surfactants.