WO2018136332A1

WO2018136332A1 - Fluorinated block copolymers derived from cure-site monomers

Info

Publication number: WO2018136332A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/013553
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael H. MITCHELL; Denis Duchesne; Tatsuo Fukushi; Larry A. Last; Peter J. Scott; Karl D. WEILANDT
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2017-01-18
Filing date: 2018-01-12
Publication date: 2018-07-26

Abstract

Described herein is a fluorinated block copolymer having (a) at least one A block, wherein the A block is a semi-crystalline segment comprising repeating divalent monomeric units derived from at least a fluorinated monomer, and a cure-site monomer; (b) at least one B block, wherein the B block is a segment comprising repeating dilvalent monomeric units derived from at least a fluorinated monomer.

Description

FLUORINATED BLOCK COPOLYMERS DERIVED FROM CURE-SITE MONOMERS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Fluorinated block copolymers that can be processed as an elastomer are described.

SUMMARY

[0002] There has been an increasing need for higher temperature elastomers that perform adequately at for example, temperatures of 200°C to 330°C. Because of the higher bond energy of the C-F bond, perfluoroelastomers (fully fluorinated molecules) traditionally have been used at these extreme temperature conditions. However, the cost of perfluoroelastomers can make them undesirable or prohibitive for certain applications and markets.

[0003] Partially fluorinated elastomers are typically less expensive than perfluorinated elastomers and because they comprise some fluorine, they can perform adequately in some of the same extreme conditions as the perfluorinated elastomers, e.g., chemical resistance, etc. However, partially fluorinated elastomers traditionally have poor tensile properties at elevated temperatures, as a result a partially fluorinated elastomer that have high tensile strength at elevated temperatures is desired.

[0003] Thus, there is a desire to identify a fluoropolymer material, which has improved properties such as a high modulus. In some embodiments, there is also a desire for the material to be processed as an elastomer, for example, by a two-roll mill or an internal mixer.

[0004] In one aspect, a curable composition is provided comprising a fluorinated block copolymer having

(a) at least one A block, wherein the A block is a semi-crystalline segment comprising repeating divalent monomelic units derived from at least a fluorinated monomer, and a cure-site monomer; (b) at least one B block, wherein the B block is a segment comprising repeating dilvalent monomelic units derived from at least a fluorinated monomer.

[0005] The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment. The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are also set forth in the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and from the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] As used herein, the term

"a", "an", and "the" are used interchangeably and mean one or more; and

"and/or" is used to indicate one or both stated cases may occur, for example A and/or B includes, (A and B) and (A or B);

"backbone" refers to the main continuous chain of the polymer; "copolymer" refers to a polymeric material comprising at least two different interpolymerized monomers (i.e., the monomers do not have the same chemical structure) and include terpolymers (three different monomers), tetrapolymers (four different monomers), etc.;

"crosslinking" refers to connecting two pre-formed polymer chains using chemical bonds or chemical groups;

"cure-site" refers to functional groups, which may participate in crosslinking;

"glass transition temperature" or "T_g" refers to the temperature at which a polymeric material transitions from a glassy state to a rubbery state. The glassy state is typically associated with a material that is, for example, brittle, stiff, rigid, or combinations thereof. In contrast, the rubbery state is typically associated with a material that is, for example, flexible and elastomeric.

"interpolymerized" refers to monomers that are polymerized together to form a polymer backbone;

"millable" is the ability of a material to be processed on rubber mills and internal mixers;

"monomer" is a molecule which can undergo polymerization which then form part of the essential structure of a polymer;

"perfluorinated" means a group or a compound derived from a hydrocarbon wherein all hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine atoms. A perfluorinated compound may however still contain other atoms than fluorine and carbon atoms, like chlorine atoms, bromine atoms and iodine atoms; and

"polymer" refers to a macrostructure comprising interpolymerized units of monomers.

[0007] Also herein, recitation of ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 10 includes 1.4, 1.9, 2.33, 5.75, 9.98, etc.).

[0008] Also herein, recitation of "at least one" includes all numbers of one and greater (e.g., at least 2, at least 4, at least 6, at least 8, at least 10, at least 25, at least 50, at least 100, etc.).

[0009] Thermoplastic elastomers are a class of materials, either being copolymers or a blend of polymers that have both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties Typically, the plastic component give additional tensile strength, while the elastomeric component provides elasticity and compression set resistance to the material. Thermoplastic elastomers having a high plastic component are traditionally processed similar to plastics using for example extruders, injection molding equipment, etc. Elastomeric materials on the other hand are typically processed with a two-roll mill or an internal mixer. Mill blending is a process that rubber manufacturers use to combine the polymer gum with the requisite curing agents and/or additives.

In order to be mill blended, the curable composition must have a sufficient modulus. In other words, not too soft that it sticks to the mill, and not too stiff that it cannot be banded onto mill.

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a polymer that has a high modulus, which can be advantageous in some applications, such as gaskets and packers. In one embodiment, the block copolymer of the present disclosure may be processed similarly to an elastomer. [0011] The present disclosure is directed toward a fluorinated block copolymer. "Block copolymers" are polymers in which chemically different blocks or sequences are covalently bonded to each other. The fluorinated block copolymers of the present disclosure include at least two different polymeric blocks; referred to as the A block and the B block. The A block and the B block have different chemical compositions and/or different glass transition temperatures.

[0012] The A block of the present disclosure is a semi-crystalline segment. If studied under a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the block would have at least one melting point temperature (T_m) of greater than 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, or even 150°C; and at most 200, 250, 275, 300, or even 325°C and a measurable enthalpy, for example, greater than 0 J/g (Joules/gram), or even greater than 0.01 J/g. The enthalpy is determined by the area under the curve of the melt transition as measured by DSC using the test disclosed herein and expressed as Joules/gram (J/g).

[0013] In the present disclosure, the A block comprises repeating divalent monomelic units derived from a fluorinated monomer and a cure-site monomer, wherein a monomer is defined as a compound which can undergo polymerization. The cure-site monomers may be selected from those known in the art.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cure-site monomer may be selected from one or more compounds of the formula: (a) CX₂=CX(Z), wherein: (i) each X is independently H or F; and (ii) Z is I, Br, or R -U wherein U=I or Br and R/=a perfluorinated alkylene group optionally containing O atoms. In addition, non- fluorinated bromo-or iodo-olefins, e.g., vinyl iodide and allyl iodide, can be used. In some embodiments, the cure-site monomers are derived from one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of CF₂=CFCF₂I, ICF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂I, CF₂=CFCF₂CF₂I, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF₂I, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF₂CF₂I,

CF₂=CFOCF₂CF₂CH₂I, CF₂=CFCF₂OCH₂CH₂I, CF₂=CFO(CF₂)₃-OCF₂CF₂I, CF₂=CFCF₂Br,

CF₂=CFOCF₂CF₂Br, CF₂=CFC1, CF₂=CFCF₂C1, and combinations thereof.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cure-site monomers may be nitrile-containing monomers such as perfluoro(8-cyano-5-methyl-3,6-dioxa-l-octene); CF₂=CFO(CF₂)LCN wherein L is an integer from 2 to 12; CF₂=CFO(CF₂)_uOCF(CF3)CN wherein u is an integer from 2 to 6;

CF₂=CFO[CF₂CF(CF₃)0]_q(CF₂0)_yCF(CF₃)CN wherein q is an integer from 0 to 4 and y is an integer from 0 to 6; or CF₂=CF[OCF₂CF(CF3)]_rO(CF₂)_tCN wherein r is 1 or 2, and t is an integer from 1 to 4; and derivatives and combinations of the foregoing. Exemplary nitrile-containing cure-site monomers include: CF₂=CFO(CF₂)₅CN, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF(CF₃)OCF₂CF₂CN, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF(CF₃)OCF₂CF(CF₃)CN, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF₂CF₂OCF(CF₃)CN, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF(CF₃)OCF₂CF₂CN; and combinations thereof.

[0016] Described below are various compositions of fluorinated and non-fluorinated monomers which can be polymerized with the cure-site monomers described above.

[0017] In one embodiment, typically the amount of cure-site monomer used will range from at least 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, or even 0.75 wt % and at most 1, 2, 3, 5, or even 10 wt% as compared to the weight of the resulting fluorinated block copolymer. [0018] ( 1) In one embodiment, the A block is derived from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE); derived from only TFE or TFE and small amounts (e.g., at least 0.1, 0.3, or even 0.5 wt % and at most 0.8, 1, 2, or even 3 wt%) of other comonomers such as hexafluoropropylene (HFP), vinylidene fluoride (VDF), chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), hexafluoroisobutene, or perfluoroalkylethylenes.

[0019] (2) In one embodiment, the A block is derived from TFE and fluorinated vinyl ethers such as perfluorovinyl ethers and perfluoroallyl ethers. Generally, these fluorinated ethers are used in amounts of at least 0.5, 1, or even 2 wt % and at most 3, 5, 8, or even 10 wt%. Examples of perfluorovinyl ethers that can be used in the present disclosure include those that correspond to the formula: CF2=CF-0-Rf wherein Rf represents a perfluorinated aliphatic group that may contain no, one or more oxygen atoms and up to 12, 10, 8, 6 or even 4 carbon atoms. Exemplary perfluorinated vinyl ethers correspond to the formula: CF2=CFO(R^afO)_n (R^bfO)_mR^cf wherein R^af and R^bf are different linear or branched perfluoroalkylene groups of 1-6 carbon atoms, in particular 2-6 carbon atoms, m and n are independently 0-10 and R^cf is a perfluoroalkyl group of 1-6 carbon atoms. Specific examples of perfluorinated vinyl ethers include perfluoro (methyl vinyl) ether (PMVE), perfluoro (ethyl vinyl) ether (PEVE), perfluoro (n-propyl vinyl) ether (PPVE-1), perfluoro-2-propoxypropylvinyl ether (PPVE-2), perfluoro-3-methoxy-n-propylvinyl ether, perfluoro-2-methoxy-ethylvinyl ether, CF₂=CFOCF₂0CF₃, CF₂=CFOCF₂0CF₂CF_3> and CF₃- (CF2)2-0-CF(CF3)-CF2-0-CF(CF3)-CF2-0-CF=CF2. Examples of perfluoroallyl ethers that can be used in the present disclosure include those that correspond to the formula: CF2=CF(CF2)-0-Rf wherein Rf represents a perfluorinated aliphatic group that may contain no, one or more oxygen atoms and up to 4, 6, 8, or even 10 carbon atoms. Specific examples of perfluorinated allyl ethers include :CF2=CF-CF2-0- (CF2)_nF wherein n is an integer from 1 to 5, and CF2=CF-CF2-0-(CF2)_x-0-(CF2)_y-F wherein x is an integer from 2 to 5 and y is an integer from 1 to 5. Specific examples of perfluorinated allyl ethers include perfluoro (methyl allyl) ether (CF2=CF-CF2-0-CF3), perfluoro (ethyl allyl) ether, perfluoro (n-propyl allyl) ether, perfluoro-2-propoxypropyl allyl ether, perfluoro-3-methoxy-n-propylallyl ether, perfluoro-2- methoxy-ethyl allyl ether, perfluoro-methoxy-methyl allyl ether, and CF3-(CF2)2-0-CF(CF3)-CF2-0- CF(CF3)-CF2-0-CF2CF=CF2, and combinations thereof.

[0020] (3) In one embodiment, the A block is derived from TFE and a perfluoroolefin. Exemplary perfluoroolefins comprising 2-8 carbon atoms (such as hexafluoropropylene (HFP)). Generally, these perfluoroolefins are used in amounts of at least 2, 3, or even 4 wt % and at most 5, 10, 15, or even 20 wt%. Other comonomers may be added in small amounts (e.g., less than 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or even 5 wt%). Such comonomers can include for example, perfluorinated vinyl ethers as described above.

[0021] (4) In one embodiment, the A block is derived from TFE or CTFE (e.g., at least 40, or even 45 wt%; and at most 50, 55, or even 60 wt%) and a non-fluorinated olefin (e.g., at least 40, or even 45 wt%; and at most 50, 55, or even 60 wt%). Such non-fluorinated olefin comprise 2-8 carbon atoms and include for example, ethylene, propylene, and isobutylene. Other comonomers may be added in small amounts (e.g., at least 0.1, 0.5, or even 1 wt % and at most 3, 5, 7, or even 10 wt%). Such comonomers can include for example, (per)fluoroolefins such as VDF, or HFP; or fluorinated vinyl ethers as described above.

[0022] (5) In one embodiment, the A block is derived from VDF; derived from only VDF or VDF and small amounts (e.g., at least 0.1, 0.3, or even 0.5 wt % and at most 1, 2, 5, or even 10 wt%) of other fluorinated comonomers such as (per)fluorinated olefins such as HFP, TFE, and trifluoroethylene.

[0023] (6) In one embodiment, the A block is derived from TFE, HFP, and VDF. In one embodiment, the A block comprises (a) 30-85 wt % TFE, 5-40 wt % HFP, and 5-55 wt % VDF; (b) 30-75 wt % TFE, 5-35 wt % HFP, and 5-50 wt % VDF; (c) 40-70 wt % TFE, 10-30 wt % HFP, and 10-45 wt % VDF; or even (d) 45-70 wt % TFE, 10-30 wt % HFP, and 10-45 wt % VDF. Other comonomers may be added in small amounts (e.g., at least 0.1, or even 0.5 wt % and at most 1, 3, 5, 7, or even 10 wt%. Such comonomers include perfluorovinyl ether and perfluoroallyl ether monomers as described above.

[0024] (7) In one embodiment, the A block is derived from TFE, HFP, VDF, and a bisolefin monomer (exemplary bisolefin monomers are described below). In one embodiment, the A block comprises comprises (a) 30-85 wt % TFE, 5-40 wt % HFP, 5-55 wt % VDF, and 0.01-1 wt % of a bisolefin monomer; (b) 30-75 wt % TFE, 5-35 wt % HFP, 5-50 wt % VDF, and 0.01-1 wt % of a bisolefin monomer; or even (c) 40-70 wt % TFE, 10-30 wt % HFP, 10-45 wt % VDF, and 0.02-0.5 wt % of a bisolefin monomer. Other comonomers may be added in small amounts (e.g., at least 0.1, or even 0.5 wt % and at most 1, 3, 5, 7, or even 10 wt%. Such comonomers include perfluorovinyl ether and

perfluoroallyl ether monomers as described above.

[0025] In one embodiment, the bisolefin monomer is of the formula

R¹ R²C.=C-Z-C=CR⁵R⁶

R³ R⁴ (I)

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently H, a C1-C5 alkyl group, or a C1-C5 fluorinated alkyl group; and Z is an alkylene or cycloalkylene radical, which is linear or branched, optionally containing oxygen atoms and optionally fluorinated. In one embodiment, Ri, R2, R3, and Rt are, independently from each other, F, CF3, C2F5, C3F7, C4F9, H, CH3, C2H5, C3H7, or C4H9. In one embodiment, Z comprises at least 1 , 2, 3, 4, or even 5 carbon atoms and at most 8, 10, 12, 16, or even 18 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, Z is -O-Rfi-0-; -CF2-0-Rfi-0-CF2-; or CF2-0-Rfi-0-, wherein Rfi represents a residue selected from linear or branched perfluoroalkanediyl, perfluorooxaalkanediyl or

perfluoropolyoxaalkanediyl residues or a residue according to Rf2. In one embodiment, Rfi contains at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or even 5 carbon atoms; and at most 8, 10, 12, or even 14 carbon atoms. Rf₂ is a non- fluorinated, a fluorinated or a perfluorinated arylene. The arylene may be non-substituted or substituted with one or more halogen atoms other than F, perfluorinated alkyl residues, perfluorinated alkoxy residues, perfluorinated oxaalkyl residues, perfluorinated polyoxaalkyl residues, fluorinated,

perfluorinated or non-fluorinated phenyl or phenoxy moieties or combinations thereof, wherein the phenyl or phenoxy residues may be non-substituted or substituted with one or more perfluorinated alkyl, alkoxy, oxaalkyl or polyoxaalkyl residue or one or more halogen atoms other than F or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, Rf2 contains at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or even 5 carbon atoms; and at most 10, 12, or even 14 carbon atoms.

[0026] Exemplary bisolefin monomers include: CH₂=CH(CF₂)4CH=CH₂, CH2=CH(CF₂)₆CH=CH₂, CH₂=CH(CF₂)₈CH=CH₂, CF₂=CF-0-(CF₂)₂-0-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF-0-(CF₂)₃-0-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF-0- (CF₂)₄-0-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF-0-(CF₂)₅-0-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF-0-(CF₂)₆-0-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF- CF₂-0-(CF₂)₂- 0-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF- CF₂-0-(CF₂)₃-0-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF- CF₂-0-(CF₂)₄-0-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF-CF₂-0- (CF₂)₄-0-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF- CF₂-0-(CF₂)₅-0-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF- CF₂-0-(CF₂)₆-0-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF- CF₂-0-(CF₂)₂-0-CF₂-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF- CF₂-0-(CF₂)₃-0-CF₂-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF- CF₂-0-(CF₂)₄-0-CF₂- CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF- CF₂-0-(CF₂)₅-0-CF₂-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF- CF₂-0-(CF₂)₆-0-CF₂-CF=CF₂, CF₂=CF-0- CF₂CF₂-CH=CH₂, CF₂=CF-(OCF(CF₃)CF₂)-0-CF₂CF₂-CH=CH₂, CF₂=CF-(OCF(CF₃)CF₂)₂-0-CF₂CF₂- CH=CH₂, CF₂=CF CF₂-0-CF₂CF₂-CH=CH₂, CF₂=CF CF₂-(OCF(CF₃)CF₂)-0-CF₂CF₂-CH=CH₂, CF₂=CFCF₂-(OCF(CF₃)CF₂)₂-0-CF₂CF₂-CH=CH₂, CF₂=CF-CF₂-CH=CH₂, CF₂=CF-0-(CF₂)_c-0-CF₂- CF₂-CH=CH₂ wherein c is an integer selected from 2 to 6, CF₂=CFCF₂-0-(CF₂)_c-0-CF₂-CF₂-CH=CH₂ wherein c is an integer selected from 2 to 6, CF₂=CF-(OCF(CF₃)CF₂)_b-0-CF(CF₃)-CH=CH₂ wherein b is 0, 1, or 2, CF₂=CF-CF₂-(OCF(CF₃)CF₂)_b-0-CF(CF₃)-CH=CH₂ wherein b is 0, 1, or 2, CH₂=CH-(CF₂)_n-0- CH=CH₂ wherein n is an integer from 1-10, and CF₂=CF-(CF₂)_a-(0-CF(CF₃)CF₂)_b-0-(CF₂)_c- (OCF(CF₃)CF₂)_f-0-CF=CF₂ wherein a is 0 or 1, b is 0, 1, or 2, c is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, and f is 0, 1, or 2.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluorinated block copolymer comprises: at least one A block polymeric unit, wherein each A block has a glass transition (Tg) temperature of greater than 0°C, 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, or even 20°C; and less than 100°C, 90°C 80°C, 70°C, 60°C, or even 50°C. The glass transition of the A block and B block can be difficult to determine in DSC on the polymer gum, therefore, torsion rheology of the cured sample can be used to determine the Tg. In performing torsion rheology on a cured sample using the method described in the Example Section below, two transitions are reported, T_a, which is the first transition and is associated with the glass transition of the B block, and Τ_β, a second, higher transition, which is associated with the glass transition of the A block.

[0028] In one embodiment, the weight average molecular weight of the semi-crystalline segment is at least 1000, 5000, 10000, or even 25000 daltons; and at most 400000, 600000, or even 800000 daltons.

[0029] In the present disclosure, the B block is a fluorinated segment derived from at least one fluorinated monomer

[0030] (1) In one embodiment, the B block is a copolymer derived from VDF and at least one comonomer. The comonomers may be selected from a perfluorinated olefins comprising 2-8 carbon atoms (such as TFE, or HFP); halogenated fluorinated olefins, wherein the halogen is chlorine, bromine, and/or iodine comprising 2-8 carbon atoms (such as chlorotrifluoroethylene); fluorinated vinyl ethers such as perfluorovinyl ethers and perfluoroallyl ethers as described above; and non-fluorinated olefins comprising 2-8 carbon atoms such as ethylene, or propylene. Exemplary B bock compositions include the following: (a) 45-85 wt% VDF, 15-45 wt% HFP, and 0-30 wt% TFE; (b) 50-80 wt% VDF, 5-50 wt% of a fluorinated vinyl ether such as PAVE, and 0-20 wt% TFE 0-20%; and (c) 20-30 wt% VDF, 10-30 wt% of a non-fluorinated olefin, 18-27 wt% of HFP and/or PAVE, and 10-30 wt% TFE.

[0031] (2) In one embodiment, the B block is a copolymer derived from HFP, and VDF. Exemplary B bock compositions include the following: 25-65 wt % VDF and 15-60 wt % HFP; or even 35-60 wt % VDF and 25-50 wt % HFP. Other comonomers may be added in amounts ranging from at least 0.1, 0.5, 1, or even 2 wt % and at most 5, 10, 15, 20, or even 30 wt%. Such comonomers include perfluorovinyl ether and perfluoroallyl ether monomers as described above.

[0032] (3) In one embodiment, the B block is derived from HFP, VDF, and a bisolefin monomer, such as those described above. In one embodiment, the B block comprises 25-65 wt % VDF, 15-60 wt % HFP and 0.01-1 wt% of a bisolefin monomer; or even 35-60 wt % VDF, 25-50 wt % HFP and 0.01-1 wt% of a bisolefin monomer. Such bisolefin monomers are described above. Other comonomers may be added in amounts ranging from at least 0.1, 0.5, 1, or even 2 wt % and at most 5, 10, 15, 20, or even 30 wt%. Such comonomers include perfluorovinyl ether and perfluoroallyl ether monomers as described above.

[0033] (4) In one embodiment, the B block is derived from TFE and a comonomer selected from fluorinated olefins comprising 2-8 carbon atoms (such as TFE, HFP, trifluoroethylene); halogenated fluorinated olefins, wherein the halogen is chlorine, bromine, and/or iodine comprising 2-8 carbon atoms (such as chlorotrifluoroethylene); fluorinated vinyl ethers such as perfluorovinyl ethers and perfluoroallyl ethers as described above; and non-fluorinated olefins comprising 2-8 carbon atoms such as ethylene, or propylene. Exemplary B bock compositions include the following: (a) 50-80 wt% TFE and 20-50 wt% of a fluorinated vinyl ether; (b) 45-65 wt% TFE, 20-55 wt% of a non-fluorinated olefin, and 0-30 wt% VDF; and (c) 32-60 wt% TFE, 10-40 wt% of a non-fluorinated olefin, and 20-40 wt% of a fluorinated vinyl ether.

[0034] In one embodiment, the B block of the present disclosure is an amorphous segment, meaning that there is an absence of long-range order (i.e., in long-range order the arrangement and orientation of the macromolecules beyond their nearest neighbors is understood). The amorphous segment has no detectable crystalline character by DSC. If studied under DSC, the B block would have no melting point or melt transitions with an enthalpy more than 2 milliJoules/g by DSC.

[0035] In another embodiment, the B block of the present disclosure is semi-crystalline, meaning that the block would have at least one melting point (T_m) of greater than 60, 70, 80, or even 90°C; and at most 1 10, 120, 130, or even 150°C and a measurable enthalpy, (for example, greater than 2 millijoules/gram) when measured by DSC. [0036] In one embodiment, the modulus of the B block is such that it can be processed as an elastomer. In one embodiment, the B block has a modulus at 100°C as measured at a strain of 1% and a frequency of 1 Hz of less than 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1, or even 0.5 MPa.

[0037] In the present disclosure, the A block and/or B block may be polymerized in the presence of a chain transfer agent.

[0038] In one embodiment, the chain transfer agent is of the formula Y(CF₂)_qY, wherein: (i) Y is independently selected from Br, or I, wherein optionally one Y is CI and (ii) q is an integer from 1 to 12, preferably 3-12. Exemplary iodo-perfluoro-compounds include 1,3-diiodoperfluoropropane, 1,4- diiodoperfluorobutane, 1, 6-diiodoperfluorohexane, 1,8-diiodoperfluorooctane, 1, 10- diiodoperfluorodecane, 1, 12-diiodoperfluorododecane, and mixtures thereof.

[0039] In one embodiment, the chain transfer agent is a fluorinated di-iodo ether compound of the formula:

RrCF(I)- (CX₂)n-(CX₂CXR)_m-0-R' O_k-(CXR' CX2)p-(CX₂)_q-CF(I)-R'_f

wherein

X is independently selected from F, H, and CI;

R is F, or a partially fluorinated or perfluorinated alkane comprising 1-3 carbons;

Rf and R'f are independently selected from F and a monovalent perfluoroalkane having 1-3 carbons;

R"f is a divalent fluoroalkylene having 1-5 carbons or a divalent fluorinated alkylene ether having 1-8 carbons and at least one ether linkage;

k is 0 or 1 ; and n, m, q, and p are independently selected from an integer from 0-5, with the proviso that when k is 0, n plus m are at least 1 and p plus q are at least 1.

Exemplary fluorinated di-iodo ether compounds include: I-CF2-CF2-O-CF2-CF2-I; I-CF2-CF2-0-(CF2)b-I wherein b is an integer from 3 - 10;

I-(CF2)_c-0-(CF2)b-I wherein c is an integer from 3 - 10 and b is an integer from 3 - 10; ICF2-CF2-O-CF2-

ICF2-CF2-0-CF2-(CF2)b-0-CF2-CF2l wherein b is an integer from 1 - 5;

ICF₂-CF₂-[0-CF₂-(CF₂)b]z-0-CF₂-CF₂l wherein b is an integer from 1 - 5, z is an integer from 1 - 4;

1- CF2-CH2-O-CF2-CF2-CF2I; I-CF2-CH2-CF2-O-CF2-CF2-CF2I;

I-CF2-CHF-CF2-O-CF2-CF2-CF2I; ICF2-CF2-O-CF2-CFI-CF3

ICF2-CF2-(CF2)a-[0-CF-CF2]b-(0-[CF2]_c)z-0[-CF2]d-CF2-CF2l wherein a is an integer from 0-6, b is an integer from 0-5, c, is an integer from 1-6, d is an integer from 0-6 and z is an integer from 0-6;

ICF2-(CF2)a-(0-CF2CF(CF3))b-0-(CF2)c-0-(CF2-CF-0)d-(CF2)z-0-CF₂CF2-I wherein a is an integer from 0-6, b is an integer from 0-5, c, is an integer from 1-6, d is an integer from 0-5 and z is an integer from 0- 5; and I-CF2-(CF2)_a-0-(CF2)b-0-CF2-CF(CF3)-I wherein a is an integer from 1-5 and b is an integer from 1-5. Such fluorinated di-iodo ether compound are disclosed in WO 2015/134435 (Hintzer et al.), herein incorporated by reference.

[0040] In one embodiment, the B block may be polymerized in the presence of cure-site monomers to introduce additional cure-sites into the fluoropolymer, which can then be used in subsequent crosslinking reactions.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluorinated block copolymer comprises: at least one B block polymeric unit, wherein each B block has a Tg temperature of less than 0°C, - 10°C, -20°C, or even -30°C. As mentioned above, the glass transition of the A block and B block can be difficult to determine using DSC, therefore torsion rheology on a cured sample can be used to determine the Tg for the specific block.

[0042] The Tg of the polymeric blocks (i.e., the A block or B block) may be estimated by use of the Fox equation, based on the Tgs of the constituent monomers and the weight percent thereof. The Fox equation is described in W.R. Sorenson and T.W. Campbell's text entitled "Preparative Methods of Polymer Chemistry" Interscience, New York (1968) p. 209. Specific values for Tgs of appropriate homoplolymers can be obtained from P. Peyser's chapter in polymer handbook, 3^rd ed., edited by J. Brandrup and E.H.

Immergut, Wiley, New York (1989) pages V-209 through VI-227. Alternatively, the Tg of the polymeric blocks may be measured by analyzing a polymer comprising the constituent monomers and weight percent thereof via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) or dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).

[0043] In one embodiment, the weight average molecular weight of the B block segment is at least 5000, 10000, or even 25000; and at most 400000, 600000, or even 800000.

[0044] In the fluorinated block copolymers of the present disclosure, the A block and B block are covalently bonded together. In one embodiment, the A block is directly connected to the B block (in other words, a carbon atom of the A block is covalently bonded to a carbon atom of the B block). In one embodiment, the block copolymers of the present disclosure are a linear block copolymer. The linear block copolymer can be divided into di-block ((A-B) structure), tri-block ((A-B-A) structure), multi-block (-(A-B)n- structure), and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the block copolymers of the present disclosure may be a branched copolymer, for example a comb-type polymer wherein branches extend from a main polymer chain.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluorinated block copolymer comprises at least one B block and at least two A blocks, wherein B is a midblock and A is an end block. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluorinated block copolymer comprises at least one A block and at least two B blocks, wherein A is a midblock and B is an end block. The composition of the end blocks does not have to be identical to one another, but preferably they are similar in composition.

[0046] In one embodiment, the fluorinated block copolymer consists essentially of at least one A block and at least one B block. In other words, the fluorinated block copolymer comprises only A and B block segments, however, the ends of the polymer chain, where the polymerization was terminated, may comprise a different group (a couple of atoms in size) as a result of the initiator and or chain transfer agent used during the polymerization.

[0047] In some embodiments, more than two different blocks are used. In one embodiment, multiple blocks with different weight average molecular weights or multiple blocks with different concentrations of the block polymeric units can be used. In one embodiment, a third block may be present that is derived from at least one different monomer.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluorinated block copolymer has a Tg of less than 0, -5, -10, -15, -20, or even -25°C as determined by DSC as described in the Example Section below.

[0049] The fluorinated block copolymer of the present disclosure can be prepared by various known methods as long as the A block and B block are covalently bonded to each other in a blocked or grafted form.

[0050] In one embodiment, the B block can be prepared by iodine transfer polymerization as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,158,678 (Tatemoto et al.). For example, during an emulsion polymerization, a radical initiator and an iodine chain transfer agent are used to generate for example an amorphous polymer latex. The radical polymerization initiator to be used for preparing the amorphous segment may be the same as the initiators known in the art that are used for polymerization of fluorine-containing elastomer. Examples of such an initiator are organic and inorganic peroxides and azo compounds. Typical examples of the initiator are persulfates, peroxy carbonates, peroxy esters, and the like, in one embodiment, ammonium persulfate (APS) is used, either solely, or in combination with a reducing agent like sulfites. Typically, the iodine chain transfer agent is used from 0.01 to 1 % by weight based on the total weight of the amorphous polymer. For the emulsion polymerization, various emulsifying agents can be used. From the viewpoint of inhibiting a chain transfer reaction against the molecules of emulsifying agent that arises during the polymerization, desirable emulsifying agents are salts of carboxylic acid having a fluorocarbon chain or fluoropolyether chain. In one embodiment, the amount of emulsifying agent is from about 0.05% by weight to about 2% by weight, or even 0.2 to 1.5% by weight based on the added water. The cure-site monomer may be added to the polymerization in a batch or continuous fashion during the polymerization of the A block (and optionally the B block) as known in the art. The thus-obtained latex comprises an amorphous polymer that has an iodine atom which becomes a starting point of block copolymerization of the semicry stall ine segment. To the thus-obtained latex, the monomer composition can be changed and the block copolymerization of the semicrystalline segment onto the amorphous polymer can be carried out.

[0051] In one embodiment, a fluorinated emulsifier having improved environmental attributes may be used during the polymerization of the block copolymers disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the fluorinated emulsifier corresponds to the general formula:

wherein Y represents hydrogen, CI or F; Rf represents a linear or branched partially fluorinated alkylene having 4 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally comprising catenary oxygen atoms; Z represents COO^" or SO3^" and M represents a hydrogen ion, an alkali metal ion or an ammonium ion. Exemplary fluorinated emulsifiers may be of the general formula:

[RrO-L-COO-]^

wherein L represents a linear or branched partially or fully fluorinated alkylene group or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, Rf represents a linear or branched partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group or a linear or branched partially or fully fluorinated group interrupted with one or more oxygen atoms, X¹⁺ represents a cation having the valence i and i is 1, 2 or 3. In one embodiment, the emulsifier is selected from CF3-0-(CF2)3-0-CHF-CF2-COOH and salts thereof. Specific examples are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7671112 (Hintzer et al.), which is incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary emulsifiers include: CF3CF₂OCF₂CF₂OCF₂COOH, CHF₂(CF₂)₅COOH, CF₃(CF₂)6COOH, CF₃0(CF₂)30CF(CF₃)COOH, CF₃CF₂CH₂OCF₂CH₂OCF₂COOH, CF₃0(CF₂)₃0CHFCF₂COOH, CF₃0(CF₂)₃0CF₂COOH,

CF₃(CF2)3(CH2CF2)2CF2CF2CF₂COOH, CF3(CF₂)2CH2(CF₂)2COOH, CF₃(CF₂)₂COOH,

CF₃(CF₂)₂0CF(CF₃)CF₂0CF(CF₃)COOH, CF₃(CF₂)₂(OCF₂CF₂)₄0CF(CF₃)COOH,

CF₃OCF₂CF(CF3)OCF(CF3)COOH, C₃F₇OCF(CF₃)COOH, CF₃CF20(CF2CF20)3CF₂COOH, and their salts.

[0052] In one embodiment a non-ionic, non-fluorinated saturated emulsifier may be used during the polymerization of the block copolymers disclosed herein. Such non-ionic, non-fluorinated emulsifiers include polycaprolactones, siloxanes, polyethylene/polypropylene glycols (cyclodextrines), carbosilanes and sugar-based emulsifiers. Other examples include polyether alcohols, sugar-based emulsifiers or hydrocarbon based emulsifiers, wherein the long chain unit may contain from 4 to 40 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, a non-fluorinated, saturated anionic emulsifier may be used during the polymerization of the block copolymers disclosed herein. Such non-fluorinated anionic emulsifiers include

polyvinylphosphinic acids, polyacrylic acids, polyvinyl sulfonic acids, and alkyl phosphonic acids (for example, alkyl phosphates, hydrocarbon anionic surfactants as described, for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7521513 and 6512063 (Tang), herein incorporated by reference). These emulsifiers and their use in polymerization is described in WO 2016/137851 (Jochum et al.) herein incorporated by reference.

[0053] In one embodiment, the fluorinated block copolymer gum of the present disclosure may be crosslinked. Crosslinking of the resulting fluorinated block copolymer can be performed using a cure system that is known in the art such as: a peroxide curative, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dimethyl-2,3-diphenyl butane, and other radical initiators such as an azo compound, and other cure systems such as a polyol and polyamine cure systems.

[0054] Peroxide curatives include organic or inorganic peroxides. Organic peroxides are preferred, particularly those that do not decompose during dynamic mixing temperatures. [0055] The crosslinking using a peroxide can be performed generally by using an organic peroxide as a crosslinking agent and, if desired, a polyolefin crosslinking aid including, for example, bisolefins (such as

diallyl ether of glycerin, triallylphosphoric acid, diallyl adipate, diallylmelamine and triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC), fluorinated TAIC comprising a fluorinated olefinic bond, tri(methyl)allyl isocyanurate (TMAIC), tri(methyl)allyl cyanurate, poly-triallyl isocyanurate (poly-TAIC), xylylene-bis(diallyl isocyanurate) (XBD), and N,N'-m-phenylene

bismaleimide.

[0056] Examples of the organic peroxide include benzoyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, 2,5-di-methyl-2,5-di-tert-butylperoxyhexane, 2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, l, l-bis(tert- butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylchlorohexane, tert-butyl peroxy isopropylcarbonate (TBIC), tert-butyl peroxy 2-ethylhexyl carbonate (TBEC), tert-amyl peroxy 2-ethylhexyl carbonate, tert-hexylperoxy isopropyl carbonate, carbonoperoxoic acid, 0,0'-l,3-propanediyl 00,00'-bis(l, l-dimethylethyl) ester, tert-butylperoxy benzoate, t-hexyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, di(4- methylbenzoyl) peroxide, laurel peroxide and cyclohexanone peroxide. Other suitable peroxide curatives are listed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,504 (Tatsu et al). The amount of peroxide curing agent used generally will be 0.1 to 5, preferably 1 to 3 parts by weight per 100 parts of fluorinated block copolymer. Other conventional radical initiators are suitable for use with the present disclosure.

[0057] Examples of azo compounds useful in curing the fluorinated block copolymers of the present disclosure are those that have a high decomposition temperature. In other words, they decompose above the upper use temperature of the resulting product. Such azo compounds may be found for example in "Polymeric Materials Encyclopedia, by J.C. Salamone, ed., CRC Press Inc., New York, (1996) Vol. 1, page 432-440.

[0058] Crosslinking using a polyol is performed generally by using a polyol compound as a crosslinking agent; a crosslinking aid such as ammonium salt, phosphonium salt and iminium salt; and a hydroxide or oxide of a divalent metal such as magnesium, calcium, or zinc. Examples of the polyol compound include bisphenol AF, bisphenol A, bisphenol S, dihydroxybenzophenone, hydroquinone, 2,4,6- trimercapto-S-triazine, 4,4'-thiodiphenol, and a metal salt thereof.

[0059] Crosslinking using a polyamine is performed generally by using a polyamine compound as a crosslinking agent, and an oxide of a divalent metal such as magnesium, calcium, or zinc. Examples of the polyamine compound or the precursor of the polyamine compound include hexamethylenediamine and a carbamate thereof, 4,4'-bis(aminocyclohexyl)methane and a carbamate thereof, and Ν,Ν'- dicinnamylidene- 1 ,6-hexamethylenediamine .

[0060] The crosslinking agent (and crosslinking aid, if used) each may be used in a conventionally known amount, and the amount used can be appropriately determined by one skilled in the art. The amount used of each of these components participating in the crosslinking may be, for example, about 1 part by mass or more, about 5 parts by mass or more, about 10 parts by mass or more, or about 15 parts by mass or more, and about 60 parts by mass or less, about 40 parts by mass or less, about 30 parts by mass or less, or about 20 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the fluorinated block copolymer. The total amount of the components participating in the crosslinking may be, for example, about 1 part by mass or more, about 5 parts by mass or more, or about 10 parts by mass or more, and about 60 parts by mass or less, about 40 parts by mass or less, or about 30 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the fluorinated block copolymer.

[0061] In one embodiment, a dual cure or multi cure system is used, wherein at least two different cure systems are used. For example, peroxide curing system and a bisphenol curing system or a peroxide curing system and a triazine curing system. Such a multi cure system may provide enhanced physical properties and/or ease of handling.

[0062] For the purpose of, for example, enhancing the strength or imparting the functionality, conventional adjuvants, such as, for example, acid acceptors, fillers, process aids, or colorants may be added to the composition.

[0063] For example, acid acceptors may be used to facilitate the cure and thermal stability of the composition. Suitable acid acceptors may include magnesium oxide, lead oxide, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, dibasic lead phosphite, zinc oxide, barium carbonate, strontium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, hydrotalcite, alkali stearates, magnesium oxalate, or combinations thereof. The acid acceptors are preferably used in an amount raging from about 1 to about 20 parts per 100 parts by weight of the fluorinated block copolymer.

[0064] Fillers include: an organic or inorganic filler such as clay, silica (SiC ), alumina, iron red, talc, diatomaceous earth, barium sulfate, wollastonite (CaSiC ), calcium carbonate (CaCC ), calcium fluoride, titanium oxide, iron oxide and carbon black fillers, a polytetrafluoroethylene powder, PFA

(TFE/perfluorovinyl ether copolymer) powder, an electrically conductive filler, a heat-dissipating filler, and the like may be added as an optional component to the composition. Those skilled in the art are capable of selecting specific fillers at required amounts to achieve desired physical characteristics in the vulcanized compound. The filler components may result in a compound that is capable of retaining a preferred elasticity and physical tensile, as indicated by an elongation and tensile strength value, while retaining desired properties such as retraction at lower temperature (TR-10). In one embodiment, the composition comprises less than 40, 30, 20, 15, or even 10% by weight of the filler.

[0065] The fluorinated block copolymer composition is mixed with the curing agent and optional conventional adjuvants. In one embodiment, the method for mixing the block copolymer of the present disclosure with the curing agent(s) and optional adjuvants is performed similarly to an elastomer such as for example, kneading with use of a twin roll for rubber, a pressure kneader or a Banbury mixer. In another embodiment, the method for mixing the block copolymer of the present disclosure with the curing agent(s) and optional adjuvants is performed similarly to a plastic, such as by extrusion or injection molding.

[0066] The mixture may then be processed and shaped such as by extrusion or molding to form an article of various shapes such as sheet, a hose, a hose lining, an o-ring, a gasket, a packer, or a seal composed of the composition of the present disclosure. The shaped article may then be heated to cure the gum composition and form a cured elastomeric article. Pressing of the compounded mixture (i.e., press cure) is typically conducted at a temperature of about 120-220°C, or even about 140-200°C, for a period of about 1 minute to about 15 hours, usually for about 1-15 minutes. A pressure of about 700-20,000 kPa

(kiloPascals), or even about 3400- 6800 kPa, is typically used in molding the composition. The molds first may be coated with a release agent and prebaked.

[0067] The molded vulcanizate can be post cured in an oven at a temperature of about 140-240°C, or even at a temperature of about 160-230°C, for a period of about 1-24 hours or more, depending on the cross-sectional thickness of the sample. For thick sections, the temperature during the post cure is usually raised gradually from the lower limit of the range to the desired maximum temperature. The maximum temperature used is preferably about 260°C, and is held at this value for about 1 hour or more.

[0068] Fluorinated block copolymers of the present disclosure may be used in articles, such as a hose, a seal (e.g., a gasket, an o-ring, a packer element, a blow-out preventor, a valve, etc.), a stator, or a sheet. These compositions may or may not be post cured.

[0069] By taking advantage of the high tensile and high modulus afforded by the A block and/or the cure-site monomer, a fluorinated block copolymer having good toughness (e.g., high tensile strength) optionally can be achieved.

[0070] The fluorinated block copolymer of the present disclosure balances the toughness imparted by the A block and/or the cure-site monomer with the viscosity (and optional flexibility) imparted by the B block. This balancing of the A block and B block generates a fluorinated block copolymer that can be processed as a traditional elastomer, for example a polymer that can be processed with a two-roll mill or an internal mixer or as a traditional plastic, depending on the modulus of the resulting block copolymer. Mill blending is a process that rubber manufacturers use to combine the polymer gum with the requisite curing agents and/or additives. In order to be mill blended, the curable composition must have a sufficient modulus. In other words, not too soft that it sticks to the mill, and not too stiff that it cannot be banded onto mill. In one embodiment, to be processed as a traditional elastomer, the fluorinated block copolymer of the present disclosure should have a modulus of at least 0.1, 0.3, or even 0.5 MPa (megaPascals); and at most 2.5, 2.2, or even 2.0 MPa at 100°C as measured at a strain of 1% and a frequency of 1 Hz (Hertz). The amount of the A block to B block used in the fluorinated block copolymer can vary based on the properties of the individual polymeric segments. For example, if the A block has a high degree of crystallinity, then less overall A block is used in the fluorinated block copolymer. Thus, the storage modulus is a property that can be used to take into account using less of a semicrystalline segment with a high degree of crystallinity in the block copolymer versus more of a semicrystalline segment with a lower degree of crystallinity. By adding more A block into the fluorinated block copolymer, better tensile is obtained and the polymer retains the properties at high temperatures. However, if too much A block is used, the composition is unable to be processed as an elastomer.

[0071] In one embodiment, the fluorinated block copolymer of the present disclosure has a melting point of at least 100, 1 10, 150, or even 175 °C; and at most 275, 250, or even 200 °C. It is believed that the melting point of the fluorinated block copolymer is based on the melting point of the semicrystalline segment since amorphous polymer does not have a melting point. In one embodiment, the melting point of the block copolymer is greater than the upper use temperature of the resulting article to maximize the reinforcement effect of the A block.

[0072] In one embodiment, the fluorinated block copolymer of the present disclosure has a Tg of greater than -40, -30, or even -20°C; and at most 15, 10, 0, or even -5°C as measured by DSC as described in the Example Section below. Both the A block and the B block will have a Tg. In general, the Tg of the B block is believed to be responsible for the Tg of the reported block copolymer.

[0073] In one embodiment, the fluorinated block copolymer of the present disclosure has a melt flow index of greater than 5, 10, 20, or even 30; and at most 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or even 90 as measured by ASTM D 1238-13 "Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion

Plastomer" with a 5 Kg load at 230°C.

[0074] Depending on the method of making the fluorinated block copolymer and/or the iodine- containing cure-site monomers and/or iodine-containing chain transfer agent used, the fluorinated block copolymer may comprise iodine. In one embodiment, the fluorinated block copolymer comprises at least 0.05, 0.1, or even 0.2 wt %; and at most 0.5, 0.8, or even 1 wt % of iodine based on the weight of the fluorinated block copolymer.

[0075] The fluorinated block copolymers of the present disclosure may have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of at least 50,000 dalton, at least 100,000 dalton, at least 300,000 dalton, at least 500,000 dalton, at least, 750,000 dalton, at least 1,000,000 dalton, or even at least 1,500,000 dalton and not such a high molecular weight as to cause premature gelling of the fluorinated block copolymer.

[0076] The fluorinated block copolymers of the present disclosure, wherein the A block and B block are covalently bonded together, have improved properties over the mixture (or blend) of the two individual polymers, for example higher tensile strength and improved compression set.

[0077] The fluorinated block copolymers of the present disclosure have been found to have good tensile strength, and 100% modulus. Surprisingly, it has also been discovered that the fluorinated block copolymer of the present disclosure has good compression set. Compression set is the deformation of the polymer remaining once a force is removed. Generally, lower compression set values are better (i.e., less deformation of the material). Typically, plastics (comprising a semicrystalline morphology) do not have a good compression set. Therefore, it was surprising that the fluorinated block copolymer comprising the semicrystalline segment has a good compression set. It was also surprising that the fluorinated block copolymers of the present disclosure retained their properties at elevated temperatures.

[0078] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include, but should not be limited to, the following:

[0079] Embodiment 1. A curable composition comprising:

a fluorinated block copolymer having

(a) at least one A block, wherein the A block is a semi-crystalline segment comprising repeating divalent monomelic units derived from at least a fluorinated olefin and a cure-site monomer;

(b) at least one B block, wherein the B block is a segment comprising repeating dilvalent monomelic units derived from at least a fluorinated monomer.

[0080] Embodiment 2. The curable composition of embodiment 1, wherein the cure-site monomer is a halogenated cure-site monomer comprising at least one of: CF₂=CFCF₂l, CF₂=CFCF₂CF₂l,

CF₂=CFOCF₂CF₂I, CF2=CFOCF₂CF₂CF2l, CF2=CFOCF₂CF₂CH2l, CF2=CFCF₂OCH₂CH2l,

CF₂=CFO(CF₂)3-OCF₂CF₂l, CF₂=CFCF₂Br, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF₂Br, CF₂=CFC1, CF₂=CFCF₂C1, and combinations thereof.

[0081] Embodiment 3. The curable composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the cure-site monomer is a nitrile-containing cure-site monomer comprising at least one of:

CF₂=CFO(CF₂)₅CN, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF(CF₃)OCF₂CF₂CN, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF(CF₃)OCF₂CF(CF₃)CN, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF₂CF₂OCF(CF₃)CN, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF(CF₃)OCF₂CF₂CN, and combinations thereof.

[0082] Embodiment 4. The curable composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the A block is derived from TFE, and less than 5 wt % a comonomer.

[0083] Embodiment 5. The curable composition of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the A block is derived from TFE, HFP, and VDF.

[0084] Embodiment 6. The curable composition of embodiment 5, wherein the A block comprises repeating divalent monomelic units further derived from at least one of a perfluorovinyl ether monomer, and a perfluoroallyl ether monomer.

[0085] Embodiment 7. The curable composition of embodiment 6, wherein the perfluorovinyl ether is selected from at least one of: perfluoro (methyl vinyl) ether (PMVE), perfluoro (ethyl vinyl) ether

(PEVE), perfluoro (n-propyl vinyl) ether (PPVE-1), perfluoro-2-propoxypropylvinyl ether (PPVE-2), perfluoro-3-methoxy-n-propylvinyl ether, perfluoro-2-methoxy-ethylvinyl ether, CF₂=CFOCF₂0CF₃, CF2=CFOCF₂OCF2CF₃, and CF3-(CF2)2-0-CF(CF₃)-CF2-0-CF(CF₃)-CF2-0-CF=CF2.

[0086] Embodiment 8. The curable composition of claim 6, wherein the perfluoroallyl ether is selected from at least one of: perfluoro (methyl allyl) ether (CF₂=CF-CF₂-0-CF₃), perfluoro (ethyl allyl) ether, perfluoro (n-propyl allyl) ether, perfluoro-2-propoxypropyl allyl ether, perfluoro-3-methoxy-n-propylallyl ether, perfluoro-2-methoxy-ethyl allyl ether, perfluoro-methoxy-methyl allyl ether, and CF3-(CF₂)₂-0- CF(CF₃)-CF2-0-CF(CF3)-CF2-0-CF₂CF=CF2

[0087] Embodiment 9. The curable composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the fluorinated block copolymer has a melting point of at least 100 and at most 275 °C.

[0088] Embodiment 10. The curable composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the B block is derived from at least VDF, and the nitrile -containing cure-site monomer.

[0089] Embodiment 11. The curable composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the B block is derived from at least VDF, HFP, and the nitrile -containing cure-site monomer.

[0090] Embodiment 12. The curable composition of embodiment 11, wherein the B block segment further comprises repeating divalent monomelic units derived from TFE, a halogenated cure-site monomer, a nitrile cure-site monomer, a perfluorovinyl ether monomer, a perfluoroallyl ether monomer, and combinations thereof.

[0091] Embodiment 13. The curable composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the B block is semi-crystalline.

[0092] Embodiment 14. The curable composition of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein the B block is amorphous.

[0093] Embodiment 15. The curable composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the Tg of the A block is greater than 0 °C and less 80 °C.

[0094] Embodiment 16. The curable composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the Tg of the B block is less than 0 °C.

[0095] Embodiment 17. The curable composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein at least one of the A block, the B block, or both the A block and the B block are derived from a bisolefin monomer is of the formula

R¹ R²C-=C-Z-C=CR⁵R⁶

R³ R⁴ (I)

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are independently H, C1-C5 alkyl group, or a C1-C5 fluorinated alkyl group; and Z is an alkylene or cycloalkylene CI -CI 8 radical, which is linear or branched, optionally containing oxygen atoms and optionally fluorinated.

[0096] Embodiment 18. The curable composition of embodiment 17, wherein the bisolefin monomer is at least one of:

and CH₂=CH(CF₂)8CH=CH₂.

[0097] Embodiment 19. The curable composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the fluorinated block copolymer comprises about 0.05 wt % to about 1 wt % of iodine based on the weight of the fluorinated block copolymer. [0098] Embodiment 20. The curable composition of any one of the previous embodiments, further comprising a peroxide cure system.

[0099] Embodiment 21. The curable composition of any one of the previous embodiments, further comprising a polyol cure system.

[00100] Embodiment 22. A cured article derived from the curable composition of any one of the previous embodiments.

[00101] Embodiment 23. The cured article of embodiment 22, wherein the article is a packer, an o-ring, a seal, a gasket, a hose, or a sheet.

[00102] Embodiment 24. The curable composition of any one of embodiments 1-21, wherein the glass transition temperature of the fluorinated block copolymer is less than

-20°C.

EXAMPLES

[00103] Unless otherwise noted, all parts, percentages, ratios, etc. in the examples and the rest of the specification are by weight, and all reagents used in the examples were obtained, or are available, from general chemical suppliers such as, for example, Sigma- Aldrich Company, Saint Louis, Missouri, or may be synthesized by conventional methods.

[00104] These abbreviations are used in the following examples: phr = parts per hundred rubber; rpm = revolutions per minute; g = grams; kg = kilograms; min = minutes; h = hour; °C = degrees Celsius; MPa = megapascals; psi = pounds per square inch; Hz = Hertz; wt = weight; mm = millimeters; in = inches; lb = pounds, and dNm = deci Newton-meter.

[00105] Methods

[00106] Melting Point and Glass Transition Temperatures

[00107] Melting point (T_m) and glass transition temperature (T_g) were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC, Q2000 by TA Instruments, New Castle, DE) under a nitrogen flow. The sample size was 5 mg±0.25 mg. A DSC thermogram was obtained from the second heat of a

heat/cool/heat cycle. The first heat cycle started at -85°C and was ramped at a rate of 10°C/min up to 300 °C. The cooling cycle started at the final temperature from the first heat cycle and was cooled to -85°C at 10°C/min. The second heat cycle started at -85°C and was ramped at a rate of 10°C/min back up to 300 °C. Results are reported in Table 1.

[00108] Modulus

[00109] Modulus at 100°C was determined using a rheometer (RPA 2000 by Alpha technologies,

Akron, OH) at a strain of 1% and a frequency of 1 Hz from the storage modulus, which is obtained from ASTM 6204-07. Results are reported in Tables 2.

[00110] Cure Rheology [00111] Cure rheology tests were carried out using uncured, compounded samples using a rheometer (PPA 2000 by Alpha technologies, Akron, OH), in accordance with ASTM D 5289-93a at 177 °C, no pre-heat, 12 min elapsed time, and a 0.5 degree arc. Both the minimum torque (ML) and highest torque attained during a specified period of time when no plateau or maximum torque (MH) was obtained were measured. Also measured were the time for the torque to increase 2 units above ML (t_s2), the time for the torque to reach a value equal to ML + 0.1(MH - ML), (t' 10), the time for the torque to reach a value equal to M_L + 0.5(M_H - ML), (t'50), and the time for the torque to reach M_L + 0.9(M_H - ML), (t'90). Results are reported in Table 2.

[00112] Physical Properties

[00113] Tensile

[00114] O-rings having a cross-section thickness of 0.139 in (3.5 mm) and sheets having a thickness of 2.0 mm were molded using the uncured compounded sample and press cured, followed by a postcure as noted in Table 2. The dumbbell specimens were cutout from the sheets and subjected to physical property testing similar to the procedure disclosed in ASTM D412-06a (2013). Tensile strength at break, elongation at break, 50% modulus, and 100% Modulus were reported. 50% Modulus and 100% Modulus were determined by the tensile strength at 50% elongation and 100% elongation respectively. The O-rings were subjected to compression set testing similar to the procedure disclosed in ASTM 395- 89 method B, with 25 % initial deflection. Results are reported in Table 2.

Materials Table

[00115] Preparative Example 1 (PE-1) [00116] B block: A 40 liter reactor was charged with 22500 g of deionized water and heated to

80 C. The agitator rate was then brought to 350 rpm, followed by additions of 40 g of potassium phosphate, 140 g of 1,4 Diiodooctafluorobutane, 20 g of MV32I, 330 g of Emulsifier, and 20 g of APS. 2500 g of deionized water was used to flush the reactants into the reactor. Vacuum was broken with HFP. Immediately following this addition, the reactor was pressured up with a HFP/VDF ratio of 0.88 and a TFE/VDF ratio of 1.0 until the reactor reached a pressure of 1.5 MPa. Once at pressure, monomer ratios were changed to HFP/VDF of 1.24 and TFE/VDF of 0.73. The reaction was run until 25% solids, stopped, and the latex was left in the reactor.

[00117] A block: The latex from the B block above still in the reactor was then brought to 60 °C. With the reactor at temperature, the agitator rate was set at 350 rpm and the vacuum was broken with nitrogen. The reactor was brought up to a pressure of 1.6 MPa using a HFP/VDF ratio of 0.768 and a TFE/VDF ratio of 8.068. The reaction was carried out at the same ratios until 30% solids. The latex was then coagulated using a 1.25% magnesium chloride solution in deionized water, and oven dried at 130 °C for 32 h.

[00118] The fluorinated block copolymer had a Tg of - 1 1 °C, and Tm determined by DSC of 272

C. The theoretical ratio the B block to the A block was 80:20.

[00119] Preparative Example 2 (PE-2)

[00120] B block: A 40 liter reactor was charged with 22500 g of deionized water and heated to

80 C. The agitator rate was then brought to 350 rpm, followed by additions of 40 g of potassium phosphate, 140 g of 1,4 Diiodooctafluorobutane, 330 g of Emulsifier, and 20 g of APS. 2500 g of deionized water was used to flush the reactants into the reactor. Vacuum was broken with HFP.

Immediately following this addition, the reactor was pressured up with a HFP/VDF ratio of 0.88 and a TFE/VDF ratio of 1.0 until the reactor reached a pressure of 1.5 MPa. Once at pressure, monomer ratios were changed to HFP/VDF of 1.24 and TFE/VDF of 0.73. The reaction was run until 25% solids, stopped, and the latex was left in the reactor.

[00121] A block: The latex from the B block above still in the reactor was then brought to 60 °C.

Once at temperature, 20g of MV32I were added. With the reactor at temperature, the agitator rate was set at 350 rpm and the vacuum was broken with nitrogen. The reactor was brought up to a pressure of 1.6 MPa using a HFP/VDF ratio of 0.768 and a TFE/VDF ratio of 8.068. The reaction was carried out at the same ratios until 30% solids. The latex was then coagulated using a 1.25% magnesium chloride solution in deionized water, and oven dried at 130 °C for 32 h.

[00122] The fluorinated block copolymer had a Tg of - 1 1 °C, and Tm determined by DSC of 277

C. The theoretical ratio the B block to the A block was 80:20.

[00123] Preparative Example 3 (PE-3) [00124] B block: A 40 liter reactor was charged with 22500 g of deionized water and heated to

80 C. The agitator rate was then brought to 350 rpm, followed by additions of 40 g of potassium phosphate, 140 g of 1,4 Diiodooctafluorobutane, lOg of MV32I, 330 g of Emulsifier, and 20 g of APS. 2500 g of deionized water was used to flush the reactants into the reactor. Vacuum was broken with HFP. Immediately following this addition, the reactor was pressured up with a HFP/VDF ratio of 0.88 and a TFE/VDF ratio of 1.0 until the reactor reached a pressure of 1.5 MPa. Once at pressure, monomer ratios were changed to HFP/VDF of 1.24 and TFE/VDF of 0.73. The reaction was run until 25% solids, stopped, and the latex was left in the reactor.

[00125] A block: The latex from the B block above still in the reactor was then brought to 60 °C. Once at temperature, 10 g of MV32I were added. With the reactor at temperature, the agitator rate was set at 350 rpm and the vacuum was broken with nitrogen. The reactor was brought up to a pressure of 1.6 MPa using a HFP/VDF ratio of 0.768 and a TFE/VDF ratio of 8.068. The reaction was carried out at the same ratios until 30% solids. The latex was then coagulated using a 1.25% magnesium chloride solution in deionized water, and oven dried at 130 °C for 32 h.

[00126] The fluorinated block copolymer had a Tg of - 10 °C, and Tm determined by DSC of 284

C. The theoretical ratio the B block to the A block was 80:20.

[00127] Preparative Example 4 (PE-4)

[00128] B block: A 40 liter reactor was charged with 22500 g of deionized water and heated to

80 C. The agitator rate was then brought to 350 rpm, followed by additions of 40 g of potassium phosphate, 140 g of 1,4 Diiodooctafluorobutane, 14.6g of MV5CN, 330 g of Emulsifier, and 20 g of APS. 2500 g of deionized water was used to flush the reactants into the reactor. Vacuum was broken with HFP. Immediately following this addition, the reactor was pressured up with a HFP/VDF ratio of 0.88 and a TFE/VDF ratio of 1.0 until the reactor reached a pressure of 1.5 MPa. Once at pressure, monomer ratios were changed to HFP/VDF of 1.24 and TFE/VDF of 0.73. The reaction was run until 25% solids, stopped, and left in the reactor.

[00129] A block: The latex from the B block above still in the reactor was then brought to 60 C.

Once at temperature, 20 g of MV32I were added. With the reactor at temperature, the agitator rate was set at 350 rpm and the vacuum was broken with nitrogen. The reactor was brought up to a pressure of 1.6 MPa using a HFP/VDF ratio of 0.768 and a TFE/VDF ratio of 8.068. The reaction was carried out at the same ratios until 30% solids. The latex was then coagulated using a 1.25% magnesium chloride solution in deionized water, and oven dried at 130 °C for 32 h.

[00130] The fluorinated block copolymer had a Tg of - 1 1 °C, and Tm determined by DSC of 258

C. The theoretical ratio the B block to the A block was 80:20.

[00131] Preparative Example 5 (PE-5) [00132] B block: A 40 liter reactor was charged with 22500 g of deionized water and heated to

[00133] A block: The latex from the B block above still in the reactor was then brought to 60 °C. Once at temperature, 14.6 g of MV5CN were added. With the reactor at temperature, the agitator rate was set at 350 rpm and the vacuum was broken with nitrogen. The reactor was brought up to a pressure of 1.6 MPa using a HFP/VDF ratio of 0.768 and a TFE/VDF ratio of 8.068. The reaction was carried out at the same ratios until 30% solids. The latex was then coagulated using a 1.25% magnesium chloride solution in deionized water, and oven dried at 130 C for 32 h.

[00134] The fluorinated block copolymer had a Tg of - 10 °C, and Tm determined by DSC of 257

C. The theoretical ratio the B block to the A block was 80:20.

[00135] Preparative Example 6 (PE-6)

[00136] B block: A 40 liter reactor was charged with 22500 g of deionized water and heated to

80 C. The agitator rate was then brought to 350 rpm, followed by additions of 40 g of potassium phosphate, 140 g of 1,4 Diiodooctafluorobutane, 7.3 g of MV5CN, 330 g of Emulsifier, and 20 g of APS.

2500 g of deionized water was used to flush the reactants into the reactor. Vacuum was broken with HFP. Immediately following this addition, the reactor was pressured up with a HFP/VDF ratio of 0.88 and a TFE/VDF ratio of 1.0 until the reactor reached a pressure of 1.5 MPa. Once at pressure, monomer ratios were changed to HFP/VDF of 1.24 and TFE/VDF of 0.73. The reaction was run until 25% solids, stopped, and the latex was left in the reactor.

[00137] A block: The latex from the B block above still in the reactor was then brought to 60 °C.

Once at temperature, 7.3 g of MV5CN were added. With the reactor at temperature, the agitator rate was set at 350 rpm and the vacuum was broken with nitrogen. The reactor was brought up to a pressure of 1.6 MPa using a HFP/VDF ratio of 0.768 and a TFE/VDF ratio of 8.068. The reaction was carried out at the same ratios until 30% solids. The latex was then coagulated using a 1.25% magnesium chloride solution in deionized water, and oven dried at 130 °C for 32 h.

[00138] The fluorinated block copolymer had a Tg of - 1 1 °C, and Tm determined by DSC of 249

C. The theoretical ratio the B block to the A block was 80:20.

[00139] Preparative Example 6 (PE-7) [00140] B block: A 40 liter reactor was charged with 22500 g of deionized water and heated to

80 °C. The agitator rate was then brought to 350 rpm, followed by additions of 40 g of potassium phosphate, 140 g of 1,4 Diiodooctafluorobutane, 330 g of Emulsifier, and 20 g of APS. 2500 f of deionized water was used to flush the reactants into the reactor. Vacuum was broken with HFP.

[00141] A block: The latex from the B block above still in the reactor was then brought to 71.1 °C. With the reactor at temperature, the agitator rate was set at 350 rpm and the vacuum was broken with nitrogen. The reactor was brought up to a pressure of 1.6 MPa using a HFP/VDF ratio of 0.768 and a TFE/VDF ratio of 8.068. The reaction was carried out at the same ratios until 30% solids. The latex was then coagulated using a 1.25% magnesium chloride solution in deionized water, and oven dried at 130 °C for 32 h.

[00142] The fluorinated block copolymer had a Tg of - 11 °C, and Tm determined by DSC of 258

°C. The theoretical ratio the B block to the A block was 80:20.

[00143] A summary of the Tg, Tm, and Modulus at 100 °C, for the various polymers measured using the test methods described above is shown in Table 1 below. Table 1

[00144] Examples 1-5 and Counter Examples 1-2 (EX-1 to EX-7 and CE-1 to CE-2)

[00145] Each of the polymers described above were individually compounded in 200 g batches a two-roll mill as follows: 100 parts of the polymer, 30 phr of Carbon Black, 3 phr Coagent, and 2 phr Peroxide. The compounded polymers were tested as per "Cure Rheology" and "Physical Properties" as described above and the results are reported in Table 2. Table 2

[00146] In the Table 2 above, NA means not applicable. For example, in EX-2 and EX-3, because the polymer failed prior to 100% strain, the 100% modulus was not able to be record. Examination of the 50% modulus (i.e., 50% strain) shows improved tensile of the examples over the CE-2.

[00119] Foreseeable modifications and alterations of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. This invention should not be restricted to the embodiments that are set forth in this application for illustrative purposes. To the extent that there is any conflict or discrepancy between this specification as written and the disclosure in any document mentioned or incorporated by reference herein, this specification as written will prevail.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A curable composition comprising:

a fluorinated block copolymer having

(c) at least one A block, wherein the A block is a semi-crystalline segment comprising repeating divalent monomelic units derived from at least a fluorinated olefin and a cure-site monomer;

(d) at least one B block, wherein the B block is a segment comprising repeating dilvalent monomelic units derived from at least a fluorinated monomer.

2. The curable composition of claim 1, wherein the cure-site monomer is a halogenated cure-site monomer comprising at least one of:

CF2=CFOCF₂CF₂CF2l, CF2=CFOCF₂CF₂CH2l, CF2=CFCF₂OCH₂CH2l, CF2=CFO(CF₂)3-OCF₂CF2l,

and combinations thereof.

3. The curable composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the cure-site monomer is a nitrile -containing cure-site monomer comprising at least one of:

CF₂=CFOCF₂CF(CF3)OCF₂CF₂CN, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF(CF3)OCF₂CF(CF3)CN, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF₂CF₂OCF(CF3)CN, CF₂=CFOCF₂CF(CF3)OCF₂CF₂CN, and combinations thereof.

4. The curable composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the A block is derived from TFE, and less than 5 wt % a comonomer.

5. The curable composition of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the A block is derived from TFE, HFP, and VDF.

6. The curable composition of claim 5, wherein the A block comprises repeating divalent monomelic units further derived from at least one of a perfluorovinyl ether monomer, and a perfluoroallyl ether monomer.

7. The curable composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the fluorinated block copolymer has a melting point of at least 100 and at most 275 °C.

8. The curable composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the B block is semi -crystalline.

9. The curable composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the Tg of the A block is greater than 0 °C and less 80 °C.

10. The curable composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the Tg of the B block is less than 0 °C.

11. The curable composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the A block, the B block, or both the A block and the B block are derived from a bisolefin monomer is of the formula

R¹ R²C.=C-Z-C=CR⁵R⁶

R³ R⁴ (I)

12. The curable composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the fluorinated block copolymer comprises about 0.05 wt % to about 1 wt % of iodine based on the weight of the fluorinated block copolymer.

13. The curable composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the glass transition temperature of the fluorinated block copolymer is less than -20°C.

14. A cured article derived from the curable composition of any one of the previous claims.