Luna effects make polycarbonate glow in the dark

July 2006

Bayer MaterialScience has added new Fantasia® colour effects that are designed for use with its Makrolon® polycarbonate (PC) resin. The Luna™ effects glow in the dark after being exposed to light for a short period of time. The seven new phosphorescent LUNA effects, which are additions to Bayer MaterialScience’s Leda® special effects for compounded resins family, add to the more than 100 colours available in the expanding palette of Fantasia colours and special effects.

There are a number of new Luna effects: Comet (natural), Helios (yellow), Nebula (leaf green), Asti (blue-green), Neptune (blue-grey) and Jove (coral).

The company adds that because of their photoluminescent properties, Luna effects are well-suited to such applications as life safety markings, which are required for escape routes in commercial buildings and transportation, such as ships, buses, and subway and passenger rail cars. Interior trunk latches for automobiles are another potential application, as is any other application that needs to be visible in the dark. Potential products for these applications can include directional arrows, coatings for tape to form glowing bands on walls and floors, and coated film for exit signs.