Stereochemically‐Controlled Fluorinated Copolymers for Selectively Permeable Barrier Applications

ABSTRACT Selective oxygen permeability coupled with low water vapor transmission is essential for biomedical and packaging applications requiring controlled oxygen flux under humid conditions. However, most high‐performance barrier polymers depend on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), whose persistence and regulatory restrictions limit their long‐term applicability. We designed a series of stereocontrolled thiol‐yne‐based polyesters, including both fluorinated and non‐fluorinated variants, for selective oxygen permeability with considerable water barrier performance. Tailoring polymer crystallinity and morphology tuned both oxygen transport and mechanical properties. Fluorinated polymers demonstrated enhanced hydrophobicity and water resistance while maintaining oxygen diffusivity within a range relevant to oxygen‐sensing applications. Structure–property relationships were elucidated through small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, revealing semi‐crystalline domains influenced by fluorine content and dithiol chain length. Barrier performance was rigorously evaluated via water vapor transmission rate and dynamic vapor sorption, showing reduced water uptake with increasing dithiol monomer length and crystallinity. This work introduces a PFAS‐free alternative to conventional barrier materials and establishes a tunable materials platform with potential relevance for biomedical devices and packaging systems requiring controlled oxygen permeability.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-01-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202531526
Primary Topic
Synthesis and properties of polymers
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Stereochemically‐Controlled Fluorinated Copolymers for Selectively Permeable Barrier Applications

Esther H. R. Tsai, Samantha M. McDonald, Yilei Bu, Matthew L. Becker
Advanced Functional Materials
Synthesis and properties of polymers
article

Stereochemically‐Controlled Fluorinated Copolymers for Selectively Permeable Barrier Applications

Esther H. R. Tsai, Samantha M. McDonald, Yilei Bu, Matthew L. Becker
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Selective oxygen permeability coupled with low water vapor transmission is essential for biomedical and packaging applications requiring controlled oxygen flux under humid conditions. However, most high‐performance barrier polymers depend on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), whose persistence and regulatory restrictions limit their long‐term applicability. We designed a series of stereocontrolled thiol‐yne‐based polyesters, including both fluorinated and non‐fluorinated variants, for selective oxygen permeability with considerable water barrier performance. Tailoring polymer crystallinity and morphology tuned both oxygen transport and mechanical properties. Fluorinated polymers demonstrated enhanced hydrophobicity and water resistance while maintaining oxygen diffusivity within a range relevant to oxygen‐sensing applications. Structure–property relationships were elucidated through small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, revealing semi‐crystalline domains influenced by fluorine content and dithiol chain length. Barrier performance was rigorously evaluated via water vapor transmission rate and dynamic vapor sorption, showing reduced water uptake with increasing dithiol monomer length and crystallinity. This work introduces a PFAS‐free alternative to conventional barrier materials and establishes a tunable materials platform with potential relevance for biomedical devices and packaging systems requiring controlled oxygen permeability.

Advanced Functional Materials
Duke University (US), Brookhaven National Laboratory (US), Duke University Hospital (US), Thomas University (US)
Clean water and sanitation
Openalex Percentile: Top 77%
Synthesis and properties of polymers
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Stereochemically‐Controlled Fluorinated Copolymers for Selectively Permeable Barrier Applications — Esther H. R. Tsai, Samantha M. McDonald, et al. · Advanced Functional Materials (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS