Photoluminescent Pigments
This new, state-of-the-art after glow photoluminescent pigment is a type of long decay phosphor that utilizes europium doped alkaline earth aluminate oxide. Offering > 110% of the standard samoles relative brightness, with the appearance of a powder or liquid concentrate, the UV phosphor can glow out colorful lights under the ultra-violet waves of 253.7nm and 365nm. The glowing colors include red, yellow, blue, green, blue green aqua, purple and blends thereof. Our photoluminescent pigments and liquid pigment concentrates can be formulated into many different kinds of resin vehicles for making luminescent paint/coating/films. The luminescent film can glow in the dark more than 12 hours after absorbing visible and/or ultra-violet light for 10-30 min., and the absorbing-emitting process is recurrent and unlimited.
The 12 hour glow is more than any other luminescent pigment available in the market today!
The pigment is non-toxic, non-radioactive, and safe for the application in consumer products such as textile, leather, paper, paint, printing ink, plastics, rubber, glass, etc. It is especially suitable for the production of long afterglow products such as safety items, products for children, and specialty goods.
PL Pigment USES
Formulating with Luminescent Pigment:
1) Resin selection:
a. In order for the luminescent pigment to achieve glowing, the resin should be transparent so that the light can freely pass. If auxiliary color is utilized, we recommend an appropriate translucent dye.
b. As the pigment is weak-alkaline, so the resin must be neutral or alkaline.
c. Recommended resins include: epoxy, polyurethane, amino varnish, polyester, acrylic, acrylic polyurethane, alkyd, fluorine resins, PVC, and cellulose varnish.
2) How to choose our luminescent pigment:
a. The grades of pigment are available from 5-60 microns, depending on particular pigment of interest. Pigment size should be chosen with the finished film taken into consideration.
3) Additives to consider:
a. Dispersion and anti-settling additives should be selected and evaluated for your particular system.
4) Dosage of the pigment:
a. Choose the proportion according to the requirement for brightness and glowing time. We recommend 15-50 wt%, with 30% suitable for most applications.
b. Phosphorescence is closely associated with crystal structure of the pigment. In order to avoid a reduction in brightness it is necessary to prevent mechanical destruction of the crystal lattices during processing. The pigment can’t be ground, thus it should be added last under the lowest agitation possible.
5) Recommended film thickness: 100um standard. 135-150um for maximum afterglow. For inks the screen net should be 115-175um for getting the best effects with the luminescent pigment.
6) When photoluminescent pigment is used, both additives with Pb and Cu should be avoided, or damage to the pigment will result.
Luminescent pigment is required to store in dry conditions. It has good stability below 400°C and will endure 20 minutes at 500°C. Its lifetime is usually 20 years. As a last few point of interest: neon laser pointers will charge the pigment and applied heat will induce brightness!
