Abstract
A simple strategy was presented for potential industrial preparation of persistent afterglow lightweight plastic concrete toward smart hard surfaces. Rare-earth activated aluminate (REA) pigment nanoparticles (NPs) were integrated into plastic bar. The transparency of the prepared plastic bar can be achieved by consistent distribution of REA NPs in the plastic fluid. Unsaturated polyester resin (bulk material) was mixed with silica nanoparticles (filler) and REA NPs (luminescent agent) using methyl ethyl ketone peroxide as hardener. The curing process was accomplished for a few minutes at room temperature. The diameters of REA NPs were reported in the range of 6–11 nm. The phosphor-concrete composite can be industrially applied onto a variety of hard surfaces. The photoluminescent plastic concrete showed an emission band at 515 nm upon excitation at 372 nm. Persistent photoluminescence was detected for pigment concentrations higher than 1%, whereas fluorescence emission was monitored for pigment concentrations equal to 1%. Photochromism was observed for the prepared plastic concrete as different colors were detected under different light conditions, including colorless under daytime light, green underneath UV rays, and greenish-yellow under darkness as proved by luminescence spectra and CIE Lab parameters. The static contact angle measurements proved good superhydrophobic activity. An improved UV protection and photostability were detected. The photoluminescent hard composite concrete displayed highly durability and reversible persistent afterglow emission. The morphology, elemental composition and hardness features of the prepared plastic concrete were investigated.