37º IAHS World Congress on Housing: - Universidad de Cantabria

XXXVII <strong>IAHS</strong><strong>World</strong> <strong>Congress</strong> on HousingOctober 26 – 29, 2010, Santander, SpainCODE: 151NEW GLASS-BASED PHOSPHORESCENT MATERIAL FORCONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY APPLICATIONSM. J. Pérez 1,2 , J. M. Saiz 1,3 , F. González 1,3 and F. Moreno 1,31 FOTOGLASS, S. L.Technological Development Centre of the University of Cantabria (CDTUC)Local 211, Phase A, 39005 Santander. Cantabria (Spain)2 R&D Department, Hispano Italiana de Revestimientos, S. A.39110 Soto de la Marina. Cantabria (Spain)e-mail: perezmj@hisbalit.es3 Optics Group. Applied Physics DepartmentUniversity of Cantabria, 39005 Santander. Cantabria (Spain)Key words: phosphorescence, photoluminescent pigment, sinterized glass, safety signals, decorationAbstractPhotoluminescence is the property shown by some materials which emit light for long periodsof time (hours) after being activated by a wide wavelength band (200-450nm). Zinc sulfide(ZnS) is a conventional phosphorescent pigment showing this characteristic but a newgeneration of light storage material based on Rare-Earth-doped Strontium Oxide Aluminatesexhibit higher initial brightness and longer afterglow. These compounds, developed in recentyears, are free of hazardous and radioactive substances. The purpose of this contribution is toshow the characteristics and behaviour of a new family of photoluminescent coveringmaterials made of recycled glass powder as raw material mixed with a long-durationphosphor and submitted to a variety of sintering procedures. In addition to their longafterglow (>12 hours), these innovative glass tiles have interesting properties as compared toother similar products based on paints or plastics, i.e. hardness, easiness of cleaning, lowwater absorption and resistance to abrasion, thermal shock, acids or stains. These exceptionalfeatures make them very suitable for interior and exterior construction applications either fordecoration or safety purposes. The new products may have an impact on the quality of life forsome housing conditions.37º <strong>IAHS</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Congress</strong> On Housing Science 95