Synthesis of SrAl₂O₄: Eu, DY @ polymer composite membrane using eugenol as a cross-linking agent to minimize nanoparticle agglomeration

Long afterglow nanoparticles, a type of luminescence material, may gradually release stored light energy even after the excitation light has stopped. The modification of polymer membranes by introducing long afterglow nanoparticles via an inorganic particle mixtures, broaden their uses in biomedicine field. In this study, a new membrane modification approach was employed to reduce the loss of physical–mechanical performance, caused by inherent strontium aluminate inorganic particle aggregation. Moreover, eugenol, a cross-linking agent, was used to interact with acrylate monomers to form locally cross-linked compounds using an ex situ approach that improves strontium aluminate particle dispersion. Furthermore, the soap-free emulsion polymerization method used, regulates the degree of cross-linking in the membrane, hence addressing nanoparticles agglomeration. Results showed that the cross-linked structure of the membrane produced improves the heat stability and the hydrophobicity of the material produced while also increasing the nanoparticles dispersion as evidenced by the XRD study. Nevertheless, membranes with cross-linking agents outperformed in water droplet trials by not breaking or whitening the droplets. Furthermore, the generated membranes exhibit high antibacterial activity, making them attractive for paramedical applications such as protective membranes applied on the top of the skin or on the surface areas of sensors, microneedles and metal fasteners.