A phosphor is a powdered component that converts the light, mechanical and thermal energy it absorbs into light emission. During the day, it stores light and when it is dark, it emits the stored light. The brightest glow is seen for the first hour and a half, after which it begins to fade. The longer the luminescent paint absorbs light, the longer the glow will last. The higher the phosphor concentration, the brighter the glow. The process of absorption and emission of light by the luminescent substance is repeated, which allows the luminescent paint to last a very long time.
This powder was developed almost a third of a century ago and has replaced phosphorus in industries where it was previously used. Originally, the powder glowed in the dark with a greenish blue or greenish yellow colour. Today, dyes are added to produce a multitude of colours and shades.
Fluorescent and phosphorescent materials are very similar in their action. But phosphorus is dangerous to health, which is why it is not often used - for roadworks. And materials containing phosphorus are not harmful to the environment, they are not toxic, do not emit radiation, are not explosive and do not present a fire hazard.
Fluorescent paints are often confused with fluorescent paints. But fluorescents only glow when exposed to ultraviolet light.
Photoluminescent and electroluminescent phosphors are considered more common. Their composition is quite complex: strontium aluminate activated by europium, dysprosium and yttrium.
In addition to phosphorus, luminous paint includes a colourless varnish which is the main component of the material. The type of varnish (acrylic, alkyd, polyurethane) determines its durability.
Powdered phosphorus
The possibility of applying phosphorus in different branches is due to its composition. It can be used on any surface - metal, plastic, plasterboard, concrete, ceramic, glass, wood, etc. Paint containing phosphorus inspires the creation of amazing decorative elements. With its help, you can give an extraordinary appearance to planes and objects that will literally plunge you into a fairy tale. And such a miracle is entirely possible to achieve at home.
So how do you use phosphorus?
The usage of phosphor:
Depending on their chemical composition, substances are divided into inorganic (most of them refer to crystalline phosphors) and organic.
Their luminescence is often due to the presence of cations. They are used in fluorescent lamps, electron beam tubes, in the manufacture of X-ray screens, as radiation indicators, etc.
Organic phosphors are used to make fluorescent paints, luminescent materials. They are also used for luminescence analysis by chemists, biologists, medical professionals and forensic scientists.
Depending on their characteristics, phosphors are divided into several categories:
The most common is the photoluminescent phosphor, a type of phosphor with certain properties and which stores energy for a long time. Once stored, the phosphor can emit energy for a long time in the form of radiation - ultraviolet, infra-red or that visible to the human eye.
This is the type of photoluminescent phosphor that can be made by hand.
To create a luminous effect paint, you need phosphor, clear varnish and a solvent. The ingredients can be mixed in a glass or ceramic container.
How to make luminescent paint at home:
The paint made in this way is used and stored in the same way as this type of varnish.
There is an interesting way to make luminous powder. You will need conifer concentrate and boric acid. Conifer concentrate (not extract), and you can get boric acid in many pharmacies.
By combining it with a colourless varnish, you can make your dreams come true.
Phosphorus can also be made by mixing rhodamine and boric acid, but the quality of the product will be much lower.
Sometimes it is more convenient to buy ready-made phosphorus. It is faster and takes less time. And the quality of factory paint is always much better than home-made paint, and the colour of the glow can be chosen immediately, without any testing. But if you really want to be an explorer, go ahead and experiment with colours! With a few cans of fluorescent paint and a good imagination, it's easy to create a unique interior, a trendy tuning or an unusual object.
And what do you use the paint for? 🙂
