Development of hydrophobic, mechanically reliable and glow-in-the-dark glue using Arabic gum.

Smart nanocomposite adhesive was created to facilitate simple production of long-persistent photoluminescent and hydrophobic commercial products. Even after being left in the dark for up to 90 minutes, the created photoluminescent adhesive agent continued to generate light. Surface-specific nanocomposite adhesive agent consisting of lanthanide-activated strontium aluminate (LSA) nanoparticles (NPs; 5-14 nm) immobilized in the environmentally friendly Arabic gum (AG) was developed. Light-transmitting nanocomposite adhesive agent was manufactured by dispersing LSA nanoparticles evenly across the Arabic gum matrix without agglomeration. An excitation peak at 365 nm and an emission wavelength at 519 nm have been observed for the prepared adhesives at different concentrations of LSA NPs. The emission spectra showed either fluorescence or afterglow phosphorescence, depending on the LSA ratio. The photochromic transition from colorless to green beneath UV lamp and greenish-yellow in a dark room was tracked. The LSA NPs in the Arabic gum matrix imparted enhanced hydrophobicity and scratch resistance to the LSA@AG nanocomposite. The LSA@AG nanocomposite demonstrated excellent durability and photostability. This study confirmed that mass production of smart adhesive for applications like smart windows, smart packaging and safety directional signs in buildings is possible.