Development of fluorescent epoxy composite with carbon-based nanomaterial additives derived from agricultural waste

Abstract

Fluorescent polymers have exciting applications in sensing, imaging, and probes. Agricultural waste is increasingly being used to develop fluorescent nanomaterials due to technology, cost, and waste management advantages. This study developed fluorescent carbon-based nanomaterials, that is, potassium doped graphene oxide (K-GO) from Quercus ilex waste and used them to optimize fluorescent epoxy nanocomposites. The resulting nanocomposites showed significant enhancement in tensile strength with only 0.05 wt% of the renewable nanomaterial. The developed fluorescent epoxy nanocomposites have enhanced thermal and mechanical properties and can be used in sensing, imaging, and other applications. Highlights: A greener and easier approach to synthesizing K-GO from Quercus ilex seeds. Development of fluorescent epoxy composites with K-GO. Tensile strength is enhanced by adding only 0.05 wt% K-GO. Thermal stability was improved by adding K-GO. Developed composites can be applied to sensing and UV-shielding in the future.