Glowing Glass

Abstract

Defined by the building law in each publicly accessible building (e.g. schools, administration etc.) emergency exit routes have to be marked usually by means of active or passive lightening systems. The use of passive lightening systems require comprehensive components with an independent, battery-powered energy-supply that produces light even in the case of an energy black-out (e.g. disaster situations). The use of powerlines plus the frequently service of battery-powered systems is complicated and expansive. Alternatively after-glowing, phosphorescent signs, attached on walls, wallpapers or doors are an existing alternative. Mostly known to everybody are the green emergency exit signs. Furthermore phosphorescent paints on floors or walls are also used to guide people on the quickest escape way. Used inside of buildings their appearance has mostly a disturbing and negative attitude, even more at premium interior designs. Therefore, the composition of passive lightened systems with premium-quality surfaces leads to a widely usable product phosphorescent glass. This glass consists of laminated glass with a phosphorescent paint application within the glass interlayer. The paper describes the research and development of phosphorescent glass with a strong emphasis on materials testing, application technics and the behavior as laminated safety glass.