Effect of polymer matrix on the spectral characteristics of spectrum-fingerprint anti-counterfeiting fiber

In order to further explain the changing mechanism of the emission spectral characteristics of spectrum-fingerprint anti-counterfeiting fiber and promote the development of the various product types of the fiber, in this research, several kinds of spectrum-fingerprint fiber were prepared by using rare-earth strontium aluminate as rare-earth luminescent material, fiber-forming polymer including PET, PP, and PA6 as matrix. The effect of polymer matrix on the excitation and emission spectra of the fiber was investigated in detail. The results showed that rare-earth luminescent materials were distributed in the polymer matrix randomly, and the phase structure of them was not destroyed by the polymer matrix and the complex manufacturing process. The excitation and emission spectra of spectrum-fingerprint fiber were greatly affected by the polymer matrix. The scope of efficient excitation wavelength of exciting light shortened, and the position of the strongest peak of excitation shifted to red compared with that of strontium aluminate. The efficiency of emission and excitation of the fiber decreased due to the existence of polymer matrix. The type, concentration, and fiber-forming conditions of polymer matrix all had great effect on the emission intensity of a spectrum-fingerprint fiber, but little on the wavelength of emission. Therefore, it is a feasible method to improve the development of anti-counterfeiting fiber through changing polymer matrix.