Multifunctional magnesium oxychloride based composite with stable superhydrophobicity, self-luminescence and reusability

Abstract Magnesium oxychloride (MOC) based materials have attracted much concern because of the superior mechanical properties and environmental friendliness, however, the widespread application is limited by the poor water-resistance and the tedious function. Thus it is worthwhile devoting much effort to overcome the defects. Here, taking sandpaper as template and with the modification of fluorinated HPDMS and luminescent powder, an effective method is proposed to produce MOC based composite with superhydrophobicity, self-luminescence and reusability. The samples can keep superhydrophobic (SHP) after enduring mechanical and chemical treatments, and even the crushed sample is still superhydrophobic. Meanwhile, SHP modification is helpful for overcoming the poor water-resistance, because the main phases are protected by the hydrophobic layer. After excitation, the composite materials can emit green light, which will gradually decay with time. The superhydrophobicity makes the material endure to be used for buildings with self-cleaning and deicing ability. Moreover, the powders ground from waste samples exhibit superhydrophobicity, implying the potential recyclability of this material, which can be applied to SHP luminous coating for house decoration and traffic signs in darkness, and directional water transport as well.