Phosphorescent Pigments

How long does it glow?
Afterglow depends on:
    • Particle Size 
    • Excitation light source & intensity
    • Pigment concentration & film thickness
The glow from 6SSU will be perceptible to adapted eyes for four to ten hours after the removal of the light source.

The colored GSS Series pigments will not glow as brightly or for as long as 6SSU. The best performance is attained if the material is excited with a light source rich in UV. For example, black light will be roughly twice as effective as a standard tungsten filament incandescent lamp.

Applications
UMC's  phosphorescent pigments may be used in all types of paint, powder coatings, silkscreen inks, enamel and plastics.

Some typical applications are:

    • Warning and exit signs
    • Fire fighting & mining safety gear
    • Silkscreen printing on textiles and posters
    • Toys and novelties
    • Fishing Lures
    • Craft paints

Some Suggestions for Use

Paints & Inks
    • Use a transparent vehicle with neutral or alkaline pH.
    • Plan on using at least 20% pigment loading
    • To minimize settling use a viscous vehicle
    • Apply a white base coat under the phosphorescent phosphorescent layer
    • Apply a clear overcoat containing a UV absorber (we recommend an oxalanilide) to protect the pigment and   
      improve gloss

Plastics
    • UMC's pigments are compatable with acrylics, polyesters, epoxies, PVC, polypropylene and polyethylene,  
    (HDPE, LDPE< etc.). 
    • Material can be cast, dipped, coated, extruded or molded.
    • Use only clear plastics
    • Plan on using 20% to 50% pigment loadings

General Things to Avoid
    • Do not grind or mill pigment. Breaking down the crystals will destroy after glow
    • Avoid exposing the pigment to string acids or heavy metal compounds. they will  react and destroy the glow
    • These pigments are not recommended for prolonged outdoor applications. Sunlight and weather will cause the pigment  
    to slowly decompose.


If you are looking for a phosphorescent pigment with excellent light and weather fastness, that has an afterglow 10 times brighter and longer, check out LumiNova®.