Glass nanofibers as a reinforcement agent to polylactic acid smart plastic window

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA) was roughened with electrospun glass nanofibers (EGNF; 50–250 nm) as a reinforcement agent to create afterglow and photochromic smart windows, and anti-counterfeiting patterns. Luminescent transparent film was prepared by physical immobilization of lanthanide aluminate nanoparticles (LAN) into EGNF@PLA composites. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was utilized to inspect the morphology of LAN (5–15 nm). After experimenting with CIE Lab and luminescence spectrum measurements, we found that the EGNF@PLA samples changed color from colorless to green upon exspoure to ultraviolet (UV) lightening. Using various analytical methods, the morphology and chemical compositions of luminous EGNF@PLA hybrids were explored. When raising the LAN content in EGNF@PLA, the resistance to scratches was observed to considerably improve. When stimulated at 365 nm, the emission spectra displayed two emission bands at 436 nm and 517 nm. Photochromism was rapidly reversed in EGNF@PLA with low LAN contents to designate fluorescence emission, whereas EGNF@PLA with higher LAN concentrations exhibited sustained luminosity to designate afterglow emission. Light-emitting colorless EGNF@PLA hybrids were found to exhibit improved superhydrophobic and UV-blocking properties.