Nemoto Japan

Phosphorescent Pigments - LumiNova® series (strontium aluminate)

By phosphorescent pigments we mean luminous or 'glow-in-the-dark' pigments which exhibit initial fluorescence under UV excitation and then continue to emit visible light after the removal of the excitation light source.

LumiNova® series

LumiNova® for Safety Signs - Please put your mouse over the image

Characteristics

LumiNova® pigment was first invented by Nemoto to replace radioactive pigments for use in watches. LumiNova® series pigments are based on Strontium Aluminate doped with Rare Earth elements. They require more energy to excite than GSS series pigments but generate dramatically higher brightness and typically phosphoresce for more than 12 hours. There are three different emission colours available : Green (G-300), Blue (BG-300) and Violet (V-300) with body colours ranging from yellow/green to yellow/white and white respectively. Very fine particle sized versions are available. They have excellent weather and lightfastness and are free of hazardous and radioactive substances. It is possible to supply coloured versions but this will always reduce the level of phosphorescence depending on the strength of the colour.

Patent Rights/Quality Statement

Nemoto & Co is the holder of worldwide patent rights for this series of pigments and is the sole European manufacturer thus ensuring consistency of quality, full compliance with EU regulations for Health & Safety and Materials Handling and responsible management of environmental controls at their manufacturing facility in Portugal. Nemoto Portugal is registered under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

Applications & Handling

LumiNova® series may be used in solvent-based and water-based (only BG-300) paint and ink formulations. The very fine particle size versions now available make applications in gravure, flexographic and offset ink formulations possible for the first time aswell as actual incorporation into fibre for carpets. Many diverse applications in silicone rubber and plastic resins are possible but care must be taken to avoid high shear mixing or extrusion due to the abrasive nature of the pigment (Mohs hardness between 7-8).

Chemical and temperature stability of LumiNova® is very good and although a protective coating is recommended for outdoor applications for physical protection, it is not required for UV protection as the UV stability of LumiNova® is excellent.