Synopsis
This study aimed to apply phosphorescent pigments, which exhibit long-lasting luminescence when stimulated by natural light and after the stimulation is discontinued, to quartz surfaces. While there
are studies in literature and in practice regarding the application of phosphorescent pigments to ceramic and glass surfaces, the application of phosphorescence to quartz surfaces has been realized
for the first time with this study. Based on the results, an innovative quartz surface product has been developed that glows in the dark, providing an aesthetically an appearance.
Literature reviews revealed that Strontium Aluminate compounds and their Eu and Dy doped versions exhibit the highest and longest lasting luminescence intensity in phosphorescent pigments. As a result of photoluminescence analyses performed with a fluorescence spectrophotometer, the samples Araglo-121UV, L-ZZ660, SN-F50WS, GT-8700 (yellowish-greenish), and BGL-300M (blueish) were selected as the pigments with the longest luminescence for the laboratuvary trials. In experimental studies, unsaturated polyester resin, semi-crystalline/semi-amorphous quartz with higher light transmittance, and an optimum phosphorescent pigment ratio of 50% for optimal performance were determined, and the mixture was formed into plates and cured at 100°C. The fluxeral strength, impact strength, water absorption, and apparent density test results of the plates were compared with a standard quartz surface plate. Photoluminescence tests revealed that the quartz surface containing GT-8700 pigment emitted the highest luminescence intensity at 269 mcd/m2 at 10 minutes and 36 mcd/m2 at 60 minutes. This new product, which satisfies both mechanical and aesthetic requirements, has been incorporated into the product range with the commercial name 'Borealis'.
