New copolymers obtained by free radical copolymerization of methylmethacrylate (MMA) with a methacrylic monomer containing a perfluoropolyether structure (PFEUMA) were prepared. The products showed an excellent surface activity evidencing hydrophobic and lipophobic properties; the water contact angle of the films was always very high (>105 degrees). Angle-dependent XPS analyses showed that the fluorinated monomer preferentially concentrates at the air surface and a fluorine gradient normal to the surface is present. A surface reorganisation was observed by changing the interface. The wettability increased when the films were dipped in water; after complete drying, the surface regained its hydrophobicity. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.