Electrospun Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Alumina Nanofibers and Lanthanide Aluminate to Reinforce Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Toward Multifunctional Glow in the Dark Plastic Concrete

ABSTRACT Electrospun alumina nanofibers (EAN) were employed as a reinforcing agent to improve the mechanical properties of the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) concrete bars. An electrospinning solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone/anhydrous aluminum chloride was obtained by the sol–gel procedure. After electrospinning, the calcination method was applied to generate EAN with diameters of 140–380 nm. By physically incorporating nanoparticles of lanthanide strontium aluminate (NLSA), photoluminescent and photochromic lightweight plastic concrete bars were developed. The results indicated that the diameters of NLSA were 16–20 nm. Photoluminescence analysis and coloration parameters were used to confirm that EAN@PMMA is transparent and can switch color to green when irradiated with ultraviolet light. With the modest concentrations of NLSA, the photochromic character of the NLSA‐embedded electrospun alumina nanofiber‐reinforced poly(methyl methacrylate) concrete bar was instantly reversible, proving fluorescence emission. The higher concentrations of NLSA in EAN@PMMA showed delayed reversibility and sustained photoluminescence afterglow emission. When excited at 373 nm, a 518 nm emission peak was monitored. The NLSA‐containing EAN@PMMA concrete bars have better scratch resistance than the NLSA‐free EAN@PMMA sample. The higher concentrations of NLSA result in better UV protection and hydrophobicity. The concrete bars were examined for their morphological properties using different analytical techniques.