Preparation of polypropylene nanofibers reinforced multifunctional epoxy composite concrete with ultraviolet‐driven afterglow emission

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 141; no. 25
• Main Authors: Aldalbahi, Ali, Thamer, Badr M., Abdulhameed, Meera Moydeen, El‐Newehy, Mohamed H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 05.06.2024; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Afterglows; Chemical composition; Electron microscopes; electrospinning; Emission; Epoxy resins; Hydrophobicity; Nanofibers; optical properties; Photochromism; Photoluminescence; polyolefins; Polypropylene; Scratch resistance; Scratching; Smart materials
• DOI: 10.1002/app.55545
• ISSN: 0021-8995

In order to develop smart concrete with afterglow emission, epoxy resin (EPX) was immobilized with nanoparticles of alkaline earth aluminate (NAEA) as a photoluminescent agent and electrospun polypropylene nanofibers (EPN) as a reinforcement agent. Scanning electron microscope images of EPN displayed diameters of 70–90 nm, whereas transmission electron microscopic images showed that NAEA has diameters of 3–9 nm. To create a transparent sheet that glows in the dark, NAEA were physically immobilized in EPN@EPX composite. CIE Lab and photoluminescence spectrum studies demonstrated that EPN@EPX bars turned greenish upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays and greenish‐yellow in a darkened box. The luminous EPN@EPX morphologies and chemical compositions were analyzed using various analytical methods. The resistance to scratching of EPN@EPX bars was monitored to considerably increase with increasing NAEA concentration. The photoluminescence spectrum demonstrated two emission peaks at 437 and 518 nm. Photoluminescent EPN@EPX hybrids with low NAEA content have shown rapid photochromism reversibility. On the contrary, NAEA‐rich EPN@EPX bars displayed slow reversibility, glowing in the dark. Superhydrophobicity and UV blockage were found to be significantly improved in the luminescent colorless EPN@EPX hybrids. Preparation of photoluminescent transparent electrospun polypropylene nanofiber‐reinforced epoxy concrete toward afterglow emission, hydrophobicity, photostability, and ultraviolet blocking.