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.

Functional nanomaterials, synergisms, and biomimicry for environmentally benign marine antifouling technology.

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

Paper mulch was treated with nano-zinc oxide and nano-silica dispersion by a brushing method, and its mechanical stability, hydrophobicity, impermeability, and wet strength were verified. The experiment shows that the mulch film after brushing has superhydrophobic properties, and it can also have better superhydrophobic properties and stability after being allowed to stand at room temperature for 240 h and drying under a vacuum of 0.03 MPa under negative pressure. The wet strength test after soaking for different times shows that the mechanical properties of the base paper are reduced more than that of the hydrophobic paper. It is concluded that the hydrophobic coating can improve the wet strength of the paper mulch. The experimental results show that the coating has the erosion durability and mechanical stability of the paper mulch, the wet strength can improve, and the paper mulch has stronger mechanical stability and stronger ability to adapt to complex environments.

Preparation and Comprehensive Performance Test of Superhydrophobic Paper Mulch Films.

In this paper, the alumina nitrile rubber was prepared by mechanical blending. The effects of different amount of alumina doping on tensile, tearing and tribological properties of nitrile rubber were studied and analyzed. The results show that the tensile and tear fracture of alumina nitrile rubber is neat, and there are crack propagation and rapid fracture stages, which do not affect the basic fracture mechanism of nitrile rubber. The doping of alumina enhances the matrix strength of nitrile rubber. When 5 g alumina is added, the synergistic load-bearing effect of alumina and nitrile rubber makes the composite have the best wear resistance, and the wear resistance is more obvious at high load and high speed. In friction test, alumina nitrile rubber mainly shows fatigue and adhesive wear.

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12221-021-0438-7.pdf

Yaohui Zhao

Papers

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

Preparation and Comprehensive Performance Test of Superhydrophobic Paper Mulch Films.

Effects of Alumina Doping on Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber