Fluorescent CQD-Doped Styrene Acrylic Emulsion Coating Film with Enhanced Optical Properties

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Styrene acrylic emulsions (SAEs) are used in water-based coatings but suffer from poor weatherability and temperature stability.
• Existing limitations hinder the practical application of SAEs in demanding environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile method for producing fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from wood processing residues.
• To fabricate and characterize fluorescent CQD/SAE coating films with enhanced optical properties.
• To explore the potential applications of these novel fluorescent coatings.

Main Methods:

• Fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized from wood processing residues using a hydrothermal method at 180 °C for 6 hours.
• CQDs were characterized for their size (average 1.63 nm) and high fluorescence.
• CQDs were incorporated into styrene acrylic emulsion (SAE) films via emulsion-casting at various concentrations.

Main Results:

• The addition of fluorescent CQDs significantly improved the optical performance of SAE coating films.
• The synthesized CQDs exhibited high fluorescence and a small average size.
• Doping various concentrations of CQDs into SAE films enhanced their optical properties.

Conclusions:

• Fluorescent carbon quantum dots derived from wood waste offer a sustainable and effective way to enhance SAE coatings.
• The developed CQD/SAE coating films demonstrate promising potential for anti-counterfeiting, fluorescent adhesives, and papermaking applications.
• This research highlights the value of utilizing waste materials for advanced functional coatings.