THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ‘PHOSPHORESCENCE’ AND ‘FLUORESCENCE’ When using phosphorescent pigments, follow the manufacturers instructions.įURTHER EXAMPLES OF PHOSPHORESCENT PRODUCTS

It can even be mixed with road paint, which is applied to road surfaces, producing phosphorescent markings. Quite simply, the pigment is suspended in the chosen medium, through mixing and then applied to the surface / product. In fact, the pigments can be mixed with almost any medium including candle wax, glue and plastic inks. Phosphorescent pigments can be mixed with paints, giving a ‘glow’ effect. The glowing watch is also aesthetically pleasing. Also the ‘glow’ makes it possible to read the time.

One advantage of this product, is that the person wearing it at night, perhaps when training / running, will have a band that glows in the dark. The energy is slowly released as a ‘glow’, especially in the dark. This means that during day light hours or whilst the watch is being worn under artificial light, it absorbs energy. The digital sports watch shown opposite, has a phosphorescent pigment infused into the wrist band material. a sign pointing towards a fire escape / exit) This has more serious applications such as safety signs, which must be visible in murky / dark environments (e.g. This type of pigment is often used in the manufacture of novelty toys.Īnother good example is strontium aluminate, which is 10 times more luminous than zinc sulphide. Copper is added to zinc sulphide crystals, enabling the crystals to adsorb light and slowly emit it. A good example is copper-activated zinc sulfide, called ‘GS phosphor’. Phosphorescent pigments are manufactured from phosphors. WHAT ARE PHOSPHORESCENT PIGMENTS MADE FROM ? This is more apparent at night, as it can be seen much more easily. The pigment slowly releases the energy, in the form of light (a glow). The material it is made from, contains a phosphorescent pigment, and absorbs light energy during day time. The example opposite shows a ‘glow in the dark’ teddy bear. In fact, the stored light is released even during daylight hours, although we do not notice it in daylight conditions.Īnother practical aSpplication of phosphorescence materials is ‘glow in the dark’ toys. At night, the stored energy is slowly released. Even the most basic watch will absorb the sun’s energy, during daylight hours and artificial light from a lamp. The energy / light emitted is at a low intensity and this can last for many hours.Ī good example is a ‘luminous’ watch. Phosphorescence is a process whereby energy from the sun is absorbed by a ‘material’ and it is released slowly over a long time, in the form of light. PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE WORKSHEET SMART MATERIALS - PHOSPHORESCENT PIGMENTS SMART MATERIALS - PHOSPHORESCENT PIGMENTS CLICK HERE FOR INDEX PAGE

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