Luminescent pigment aka glow in the dark powder is produced basing on strontium aluminate. This is new generation of this kind of pigments superior to older generation baed on sulphides. It isn't flammable, toxic nor radioactive. Also it's neutral to environment. However, strontium aluminate creates small, hard and rough crystals which may cause irrytation, because of this fact during work with raw luminescent pigment you should protect your eyes and airways. Glow in the dark powder absorbs both visible light and UV, unlike the older generation UV doesn't destroy it.
This pigment isn't waterproof, hence we should use it only with solvent based medium that not contain water and will well protect pigment particles against moisture. It's also important to use medium which isn't strong acid or alkali – in such environment pigment may be destroyed.
Glow in the dark pigment L-ZZ660 is an enhanced version of pigment L-ZZ500. While all characteristics are the same it glows significantly stronger and longer.On third photo you can see pigments L-ZZ500, L-ZZ660 and XL-ZZ1150. This is one of the most popular luminescent pigments - especially for epoxy resin.
Basic rules of using luminescent pigments:
Depending of used medium and anticipated result producer suggest to use 5% up to 30% of pigment by mass. It is mostly recommended to make some tests before starting main work with pigment – thanks to it we will determine the best proportions of mixing for our application.
Medium that we will use with luminescent pigment should be transparent as much as possible. Thanks to it pigment will get enough light to charge and its glowing will be not interrupted. It's possible (and sometimes even suggested) to mix some dye with medium to get interesting colour of product in daylight – but please remember to add only a bit of dye to keep medium transparent. Less transparent medium will cause weaker glowing – but very small addition of dye not harm glowing much.
If we use thin layer of pigment (for example we use it as a paint) it's important to put it on bright surface – dark colour of surface can effectively decrfease gllowing power of pigment.
In case of painting it may be also a good idea to make 2-3 layers instead of one thick.
This pigment isn't waterproof. Due to this fact we should store it in dry place, properly sealed. During work with pigment we should avoid using medium contaminated with water.
Important pigment data:
After-glow time: 12 hours, but the best effect is visible during first 2-3 hours.
Temperature resistance: -40 up to 500C.
Lifespan: 15 years.
Waterproof: no.
Average particle size: 100-120um (0,1-0,12mm)
Afterglow intensity under norm DIN67 510 ( mcd/m2) : 10s - 14120, 1min - 5132, 5min - 1425, 10min -739 , 30min - 232, 60min - 100, 120min -43 , 600min - 6.
Glowing colour: yellow-green.