A simple inorganic/organic
nanocomposite was used to generate long-lasting
phosphorescent pebbles for easy commercial manufacturing of smart
products. An organic/inorganic nanocomposite was made from low-molecular-weight
unsaturated polyester and rare-earth-activated strontium aluminum
oxide nanoparticles doped with europium and dysprosium. The polyester
resin was mixed with phosphorescent strontium aluminate oxide nanoparticles
and methylethyl ketone peroxide as a cross-linking agent to create
a viscous mixture that can be hardened in a few minutes at room temperature.
Before adding the hardener catalyst, the phosphorescent strontium
aluminate nanoparticles were dispersed throughout the polyester resin
in a homogeneous manner to ensure that the pigment did not accumulate.
Long-lasting, reversible luminescence was shown by the photoluminescent
substrates. The emission was reported at 515 nm upon exciting the
pebble at 365 nm. In normal visible light, both blank and luminescent
pebbles had a translucent appearance. As a result of UV irradiation,
the photoluminescent pebbles produced an intense green color. The
three-dimensional CIE Lab (International Commission on Illumination)
color coordinates and luminescence spectra were used to investigate
the color changing characteristics. Photophysical characteristics,
including excitation, emission, and lifetime, were also investigated.
Scanning electron microscopy, wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence
spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were employed to
report the surface morphologies and elemental content. Without impairing
the pebbles’ original physico-mechanical characteristics, the
pebbles showed improved superhydrophobic activity. The current simple
colorless long-lasting phosphorescent nanocomposite can be applied
to a variety of surfaces, like ceramics, glassware, tiles, and metals.