Facile preparation of smart nanocomposite adhesive with superhydrophobicity and photoluminescence

Smart photoluminescent nanocomposite adhesive was developed toward simple commercial manufacturing of long-persistent luminescent and hydrophobic applications. The prepared photoluminescent glue was able to continue emitting light after turning the illumination source off even after being in the dark for up to 1.5 h. Lanthanide-doped strontium aluminum oxide (LSAO) nanoparticles (NPs) dispersed in liquid silicone rubber (SR) was prepared to function as nanocomposite glue for various surfaces. Using nano-scaled particles, LSAO was uniformly disseminated without agglomeration in the silicone rubber matrix, enabling the produced nanocomposite glue to transmit light. For the applied glues, there is an excitation peak determined at 365 nm, and an emission peak determined at 518 nm. Depending on the LSAO ratio, the photoluminescence spectra displayed either afterglow phosphorescence or fluorescence. Photochromism was monitored from transparent to greenish under UV irradiation and greenish-yellow in darkness. The glued samples benefit from enhanced superhydrophobicity and scratch resistance due to LSAO NPs embedded in the silicone rubber matrix. The glueed LSAO@SR nanocomposite showed high durability and resistance to light damages. This research established the feasibility of mass-producing smart glue for various uses such as building safety directed signs and smart windows.