Materials interaction in aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based fluorescent resin for smart coatings

Abstract

Next generation smart coatings with the ability to signal changes in the environment are hugely anticipated in a variety of applications. For example in chemical and vapor sensing, in warning systems, corrosion inhibition and repair, and many others. Thus, in this paper a method for synthesizing a smart epoxy resin using a one-step alkaline interaction with AIEgen TPE-2CH₂Br to obtain an aggregation-induced emission (AIE), fluorescent functional epoxy coating (TPE-EPOXY) is reported. Because of the restriction of intramolecular rotation mechanism, the internal structure of the fluorescent coating during curing, organic vapor stimulation, and corrosion performance were systematically studied using fluorescence spectroscopy. The results given in this paper demonstrate the unique advantages of AIE coatings in the field of environmental responsiveness and provide a rich source of information on the interaction of AIE molecules with traditional materials.