Research of Photoluminescent Pigment for Use in Luminous Architectural and Decorative Concrete

Abstract

Architectural and decorative concrete with the use of photoluminescent pigment accumulates solar energy, which is converted into light in the dark. The use of products with the glow effect provides an increase in safety in the dark. It is an additional mean of signaling on dangerous and poorly lit sections of roads, parking lots, bike paths. In addition, it allows to characterize this material as functional (the possibility of manufacturing a wide range of products), aesthetically expressive (highly decorative in the daytime), eco-friendly (the possibility of manufacturing with the use of man-made waste). Concrete with the use of photoluminescent pigments should not lose the properties of the glow, while the intensity of the glow should be maintained for a sufficiently long period. The criterion for choosing Portland cement for luminous architectural and decorative concretes is not only the aspect of decorative concrete, but also the effect of luminescence. An experiment is conducted to determine the degree of luminescence of photoluminescent pigment in concrete using white and grey Portland cement. A preliminary analysis of the literature and authors’ own research has shown that in order to enhance the effect of the photoluminescent pigment glow in concrete, the surface of the products must be sanded, which is also advisable for creating highly decorative surfaces of concrete products. The optimally selected materials and the method of surface treatment of the products ensure the decorative effect of architectural concrete even in the daytime.