Photoluminescent powder, also known as pigment, is a non-toxic, non-radioactive new environmentally friendly alkaline earth aluminate pigment. Most of the visible or UV light will charge the pigment particles (excitation). The photo luminescent pigment then releases energy for 10 to 24 hours in the form of visible light (which glows in the dark). The photographic light-emitting pigments provide duty-cycle operation with a very high ratio of glow time to the desired charging time. Luminous intensity (brightness) and afterglow time than the traditional ZnS (zinc sulfide) or usually sold retail store products more than 30 times higher.
Photoluminescent Powder Characteristics
Safe for normal uses as it contains no radioactive or toxic materials.
Long glow time. Compared with previous photo storage materials, it has up to 50 times longer emission (glow) time.
High initial brilliance. Initial luminance of up to 40,000 mcd/m2.
High durability. Long shelf life if the crystalline structure is not damaged.
Outdoor usage. Suitable for outdoor usage as it does not suffer luminance reduction even when placed under a 300-watt high-pressure mercury lamp for 1000 hours.
Stable Chemical Reaction. Not-encapsulated powder is stable as it is resistant to most anhydrous chemicals, both organic and inorganic. However, it will decompose into metal oxide and lose its luminance when brought into contact with water. Waterproof powder should be used for high water content mediums such as kids water paint. Most resin, epoxy, silicone and acrylic paints can be used with our not-encapsulated pigment and brighter pigment.
Temperature Resistance:
High Temperatures. The performance and brilliance remain stable under temperature of nearly 1100 degrees Fahrenheit (600℃).
No decrease in performance even when tested at temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40℃). High durability.
How bright are these glow products?
Many photoluminescent pigments and products manufacturers refer to the extinction time of their products, which is defined as the time required for afterglow to be reduced to 1 masb (0.032 mcd / m2, or about 100 times the human perception limit). In practice, it is very difficult, unless your eyes are completely dark to adapt, and you are in a completely dark environment.
For practical purposes, the brightness of one to two millimeters per square meter is a more appropriate limit for life safety applications, even if a smoke-free environment is assumed. Therefore, the zinc sulfide product may take 30 to 45 minutes after its excitation source is extinguished. On the other hand, the afterglow of strontium aluminate products can be seen for days or even longer. All PhotoLuminescent Powder are based on strontium aluminate.
At the other end of the time scale, strontium aluminate products can provide surprising initial afterglow. For example, four inches of square material from the magazine page can provide enough light, at least in the first minute. In addition, the microprism retroreflector and other brightness enhancement techniques can increase the brightness of the material several times.
Are Photoluminescent Exit and Egress Signs OSHA Compliant?
Most people can figure out how to exit a building in normal circumstances. But add fear and an emergency, and normal tasks suddenly become difficult. Darkness after losing power and a fire’s smoke make everything worse. This is why it’s so essential to make egress—the act of escaping a building—simple and easy. And glow in the dark exit signs that are approved by OSHA are one way of lighting the way to safety.
In this article, we look at the requirements from OSHA, NFPA, and the IBC for the listing and performance of photoluminescent signs. These mandates include the need for proper light sources, glow duration, and legibility from a distance.
Feel free to skip to the sections on:
The basics of photoluminescent exit signs and egress markers
Listing requirements from IBC, NFPA 101, and others for photoluminescent signs
Are photoluminescent signs OSHA-compliant?
Installing, inspecting, and testing photoluminescent safety signs
Effective means of egress are described and regulated by multiple model building and safety codes. The National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 101: Life Safety Code (2018 edition) is one key document. Another is the International Building Code (IBC, 2018 edition), which has been incorporated into the building codes of every U.S. state.
Proper signage is a key part of emergency preparedness, which is why you see light-up “EXIT” signs everywhere. Smaller egress markers, which often have arrows indicating direction and pictographs of a running man, are also common. These give directions in confusing parts of a building or where exit signs are far apart. All signs have to work well in the dark and without main power, so NFPA 101 and IBC both have specific requirements for backup illumination.
Photoluminescent signs (aka “glow-in-the-dark signs”) are a useful technology for exit and egress signage. They glow without a dedicated power source. Instead, they absorb the energy of light from normally well-lit surroundings—often a particular wavelength of light—and release it over time as a glow. The brightness of their glow diminishes after the charging light source is removed, but glow in the dark signs that are NFPA-, IBC-, and OSHA-compliant remain visible long enough to get people to safety.
Photoluminescent signs can be used as egress markers and exit signs as long as they meet the necessary performance standards. Indeed, many egress markers (being smaller and more common than exit signs) must be self-luminescent—electric illumination won’t do.
Let’s be clear and as non-technical as possible in the description of PVC signs. The chemicals and the molecular makeup are the same as the pipe referred to in the opening of this article. The best way to help in differentiating the two as that the signs are more lightweight and porous, meaning full of pores. How does this translate to what you want to know? With all those tiny little pores in a PVC sign, it means it will accept liquids. In your case, it means they can accept ink, and thus we can create graphics on the sign you want for your company.
PVC signs have a matte finish, which means it eliminates glare or reflection. It makes your graphics easier to read. If you really feel you want a shinier gloss finish, we can do a decal print and affix it to your sign.
If you’re looking for long-lasting outdoor signs, brushed aluminium material may be just what you need. They’re strong but lightweight and are quite durable. They can be cut to any shape or size and is quite popular due to their resistance to bending and wate