Development of smart adhesive using glass nanofiber-reinforced polylactic acid oligomer-grafted gum Arabic and lanthanide aluminate

Smart adhesives with water resistance and photoluminescent characteristics were developed from a combination of lanthanide aluminate nanoparticles (LAN) as a photoluminescent agent, glass nanofibers (GNF) as a reinforcing substrate, and polylactic acid (PLA) oligomer-grafted gum Arabic (PLAGA) as a hosting matrix. Electrospinning was used to produce glass nanofibers with diameters of 75–180 nm. After the excitation supply is shut off, the photoluminescent adhesive can continue emitting light. The lanthanide aluminate nanoparticles, measuring 7–13 nm in diameter, were immobilized in the GNF@PLAGA adhesive. An emission intensity of 519 nm and an excitation peak of 365 nm were observed in the prepared adhesives. The concentration of LAN in the GNF@PLAGA nanocomposite as a hosting matrix determined the tracking of either fluorescence or afterglow emissions. Upon excitation with UV rays, the transparent adhesive film became green, confirming the existence of photochromism. Additionally, a yellowish-green light was monitored in a dark chamber. The hydrophobicity and scratch resistance of the adhesive nanocomposites were found to improve when the concentration of LAN was increased in the glass nanofiber-supported PLAGA adhesive. The nanocomposite adhesive was investigated for its photostability and durability. Potential smart uses for the current photoluminescent adhesives include security encoding, safety signage, and intelligent packaging.