Enhancement of mechanoluminescence sensitivity of SrAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+/Epoxy composites by ultrasonic curing treatment method

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we present a novel approach to enhance the mechanoluminescence (ML) sensitivity of composite made with epoxy resin and strontium aluminate co-doped with europium ions and dysprosium ions (SrAl₂O₄: Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺) (SAOED) by subjecting it to ultrasonic vibration throughout the curing process. Three different SAOED particle size models were subjected to different ultrasonic frequencies; 200 kHz; 120 kHz; 40 kHz and control 0 kHz, in order to investigate the effect of sonication frequency on ML sensitivity. A series of fractography analyses was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images to reveal the changes in interfacial bonding integrity. Also, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) test was conducted to examine the particle dispersion and morphology in the composites. Physical mechanisms on how the ultrasonic curing treatment (UCT) can enhance the interfacial bonding strength was discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Mechanoluminescence
• ultrasonic cavitation
• wettability
• interfacial bonding

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Technology Development Program (C0636877) funded by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS, Korea) and the Institute of Engineering Research at Seoul National University. The authors are grateful for their supports.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Technology development Program (C0636877) funded by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS, Korea).