Linen fibers were coated with a glow-in-the-dark photoluminescence, flame-retardant, and hydrophobic smart nanocomposite utilizing the pad-dry-curing process. Ecologically-friendly ammonium polyphosphate and lanthanide-activated strontium aluminum oxide (LSAO) nanoparticles were immobilized into linen fabric using the eco-friendly RTV silicone rubber. Different analytical techniques were employed to examine the morphological characteristics and elemental compositions of LSAO nanoparticles and treated linen textiles. The self-extinguishing properties of the treated linen textiles were tested for their fire-resistance. After 24 washing cycles, the coated linen samples retained their flame-retardant properties. The treated linen's superhydrophobicity rose in direct proportion to the LSAO concentration. After being excited at 365 nm, the colorless luminescent film that was coated on linen surface gave out an emission wavelength of 519 nm. The photoluminescent linen was monitored to create a range of different colors, including off-white in daytime light and green under UV radiation, according to the CIE Lab colorimetric coordinates and photoluminescence spectra. Emission, excitation and lifetime spectral analysis of the treated linen revealed persistent phosphorescence. For mechanical and comfort evaluation, the coated linen textiles' bending length and air permeability were assessed. Good ultraviolet shielding and enhanced antibacterial activity were detected in the treated linens.

Development of functional glow-in-the-dark photoluminescence linen fabrics with ultraviolet sensing and shielding.

A comparative study between two novel silicone/graphene-based nanostructured surfaces for maritime antifouling.

Preparation methods and research progress of superhydrophobic paper

A comparative study between two novel silicone/graphene-based nanostructured surfaces for maritime antifouling

Marine biofouling remains one of the key challenges for maritime industries, both for seafaring and stationary structures. Currently used biocide-based approaches suffer from significant drawbacks, coming at a significant cost to the environment into which the biocides are released, whereas novel environmentally friendly approaches are often difficult to translate from lab bench to commercial scale. In this article, current biocide-based strategies and their adverse environmental effects are briefly outlined, showing significant gaps that could be addressed through advanced materials engineering. Current research towards the use of natural antifouling products and strategies based on physio-chemical properties is then reviewed, focusing on the recent progress and promising novel developments in the field of environmentally benign marine antifouling technologies based on advanced nanocomposites, synergistic effects and biomimetic approaches are discussed and their benefits and potential drawbacks are compared to existing techniques.

Kangshuai Li

Papers

A fluorine-free superhydrophobic silicone rubber surface has excellent self-cleaning and bouncing properties

Study on mechanical and tribological properties of ternary fluororubber filled with four needles of zinc oxide