Preparation of UV-Blocking Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Films through SI-AGET ATRP Using a Colorless Polydopamine Initiator Layer

Herein, the functional poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) film that has a superior UV-blocking performance was made through the surface-initiated activators regenerated by electron transfer atom-transfer radical polymerization (SI-AGET ATRP). The colorless polydopamine (PDA) initiator layer was adhered to the alkaline-pretreated PVDF film through the copolymerization of dopamine (DOPA) and initiator-bearing DOPA (DOPA-BIBB). Then the reactive organic UV absorbent [3-(4-benzoyl-3-hydroxyphenoxy)-2-hydroxypropyl] 2-methylprop-2-enoate (BPMA) was incorporated to the initiator layer by the SI-AGET ATRP method, resulting in the formation of a PBPMA-chain-grafted PVDF film (PVDF-g-PBPMA). Furthermore, the effects of the experimental conditions such as the BPMA concentration and reaction time on the performance of as-prepared modified films were investigated. The characterization results indicated the formation of the PBPMA film on the PVDF film surface and the outstanding UV-blocking performance of the modified films. The PVDF-g-PBPMA film fabricated under the optimum conditions could completely block the UV light in the range of 200–370 nm.