Graphene Quantum Dots-Ornamented Waterborne Epoxy-Based Fluorescent Adhesive via Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Chain Transfer-Mediated Miniemulsion Polymerization: A Potential Material for Art Conservation

Epoxy-based adhesives have gotten significant attention in the conservation of antiquities and repair or reconstruction of artifacts due to their excellent adhesion strength. However, it has become hard to detect repaired work in artifacts due to the transparent nature of epoxy-based adhesives. Hence, the making of fluorescent adhesives has become an exciting topic for art conservators. Here, we have synthesized a new kind of waterborne epoxy-based fluorescent adhesive decorated with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-mediated surfactant-free miniemulsion polymerization. In this case, a new block copolymer (BCP), poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)-block-poly(glycidyl methacrylate), has been synthesized via surfactant-free RAFT-mediated miniemulsion polymerization using a polymerization-induced self-assembly technique. The GQDs were prepared from citric acid by a hydrothermal process, and this was used for making a fluorescence-active BCP/GQD nanocomposite emulsion. The obtained BCP/GQD nanocomposite adhesive was transparent and showed blue fluorescence under ultraviolet–visible light, indicating the easy detection of its mark on the artifacts. The BCP and BCP/GQD emulsions were applied to adhere ceramic and glass substrates, and their adhesion strength was evaluated by lap shear tests. The BCP/GQDs showed better adhesion strength than the BCP only, indicating better adhesive performance. Additionally, the synthesis process was carried out in aqueous media, indicating the sustainability and environment-friendliness of the process. We believe that this kind of new waterborne epoxy-based fluorescent adhesive will provide a new contrivance among art conservators to repair or reconstruct artifacts.