Glow in the Dark (Phosphorescent) Technologies

Alkaline Earth Metal Aluminate

May be improperly referred to as Strontium Aluminate, Silicate Aluminate, or Alkaline Earth Aluminate.

Technology originating in 1992, provides an extreme variety of brightness's and economy levels in glow pigment.  At the high end, offers the brightest and longest lasting phosphorescent pigments.

Depending on the individual product, "earth metals" can include Strontium, Magnesium, Calcium, and Barium.  Silicon and Titanium may also be present.  It is typically doped with Europium.

Glow Colors range in the spectrum from Green-Yellow to Purple-Blue.

Raw pigment is whitish in color, and translucent in medium.

Acid decomposes this pigment.

Water will slowly dissolve it.  Therefore water-based mediums must be mixed, applied, and encouraged to dry quickly.

Glow Inc. product lines: Ultra and High

Alkaline Earth Aluminate w/Fluorescent Pigment

Products are created by taking Alkaline Earth Metal Aluminate pigments and adding an opaque fluorescent pigment to provide visibility in a lit room.  As a side effect, the fluorescent pigments also tint the glow which can produce glow colors such as Orange.

Glow Inc. product line:  Daytime

Coated Alkaline Earth Aluminate

This technology is new for 2004.  Products are created by coating Alkaline Earth Metal Aluminate pigments with a sealer to protect them from water.  Because they are no longer water soluble, they can be used in water-based mediums.

Glow Inc. product line:  Coated (coming soon)

Alkaline Earth Silicate

Another fairly new pigment technology that produces a very pure sky blue glow color not available from alkaline earth aluminates.

Pigments are not water soluble and are stable in most acids.  Thus the medium choices are almost endless.

Glow Inc. product line:  Pure

Zinc Sulfide (green formula)

Originated in the 1970's, this was the first phosphorescent pigment.  It is also the pigment in 99% of all glow in the dark items currently available.  It is not very bright and it only glows for a short period.

The reason it is used so much in manufacturing is that it is relatively cheap.  It is also FDA approved for limited use cosmetics.

Raw pigment has a strong sulfuric odor, but it is usually masked when mixed into the medium.

Zinc pigments are slightly soluble in water.  The solubility level is so small that they can be stored as a water-based paint for years.

Glow Inc product line: (currently discontinued)

Zinc Sulfide (red and orange formula)

In 2000, they manipulated Zinc Sulfide to produce glow colors in the color spectrum from red to orange.  Colors are deep and pure.  Brightness has been improved.

Raw pigment has a strong sulfuric odor, but it is usually masked when mixed into the medium.

Zinc pigments are slightly soluble in water.  The solubility level is so small that they can be stored as a water-based paint for years.

Glow Inc product line: Zinc