Toys and Novelties

With Lumilux® effect pigments, special artistic and visual effects can be achieved in end products. The toy industry is particularly keen on incorporating luminescent features into injection-molded products. Applied to thin films, amazing special effects can be achieved with Lumilux® phosphorescent materials. Textiles with afterglow logos and images are very much in vogue - either screen-printed or stitched with luminescent yarn.

They are usually produced by means of silk-screen printing methods, casting processes, injection molding technologies or painting and spraying methods.

Lumilux® Green N-pigments are commonly used afterglow pigments. They continue to emit yellow-green light in dark conditions for many hours after being charged by exposure to daylight, white lamplight or UV radiation. They can be used in photoluminescent materials such as paints, surface coatings, ceramic tiles, coated glass, flexible or rigid plastics and enamelled materials.

If subjected simultaneously to UV radiation and humidity, zinc sulphide N-pigments can become gray and lose luminance. The typical cause of this is a photochemical reaction in which zinc separates off and deposits on the crystalline surface of the pigment particles in very finely divided form, creating the gray appearance. Elimination of either contributory cause - UV radiation or humidity - can prevent this problem.

Alkaline coatings demonstrate the ability to provide adequate protection against graying by diffusing light at low levels of humidity. Consequently, Lumilux® Green N-pigments are produced with an alkaline silicate coating and their aqueous extract is alkaline.

Lumilux® Green SN-pigments incorporate advanced technology that enables them to emit light for a significantly longer duration after charging by exposure to daylight, white lamplight or UV radiation.

Like Lumilux® Green N-pigments, SN-pigments can be used in photo-luminescent materials such as paints, surface coatings, ceramic tiles, coated glass, flexible or rigid plastics and enamelled materials. They are also used in safety applications, such as escape route signs and safety-way-guidance systems.

Based on alkaline earth aluminates, Lumilux® Green SN-pigments do not become gray through exposure to strong sunlight or UV radiation, making them suitable for outdoor applications. They are stable against organic solvents and heat resistant to 500ºC. They also have the potential to survive in oxygen-free atmospheres up to 800ºC without significant loss of brightness.

Alkaline earth aluminates are not stable against water and acids. However, they are sufficiently protected against the decomposing effect of water or acid in injection-molded products and dried paint films.

Honeywell Specialty Materials can produce customized luminescent pigments to customers specifications.

For further information, please contact us.