Highly improved mechanical performances of polyvinyl butyral through fluorescent carbon dots

A new application of fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) with low cost and environmental friendliness is developed by incorporating them into polyvinyl butyral (PVB) polymer matrix. The introduction of CDs significantly enhances the mechanical properties of PVB. The yield strength, tensile strength, and adhesion strength are 200%, 144% and 13-fold higher than those of pure PVB. Ultra-small size and abundant O-related groups endows CDs with superior affinity and strong binding force with PVB molecules, giving rise to the remarkable enhancement of PVB mechanical properties. Therefore, this work offers a promising substitute for PVB as interlayer materials of the automotive windshield.