Improved anti-sedimentation for acrylic resin containing long afterglow phosphors by in situ polymerisation

Purpose ‐ The purpose of this paper is to improve the anti-sedimentation of the acrylic resin containing long afterglow phosphors (SrMgAl₄O₈:Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺). Design/methodology/approach ‐ The phosphors were first modified by the vinylsilane coupling agent MPS (3-(methacryloxypropyl)-trimethoxysilane). Then, the acrylic resin containing modified phosphors was synthesised by in situ polymerisation. Meanwhile, the compared blend sample was prepared by pure acylic resin with no modified phosphors in the same content. When the two resins were coated on glass, the films were characterised by ATR-FTIR, SEM and TGA. The sedimentation performances of liquid resins were also observed. Findings ‐ Results showed that anti-sedimentation of acrylic resin with phosphors by in situ polymerisation was enhanced greatly, because the phosphors have been connected with the macromolecule chain, and dispersed homogeneously with no aggregation, so preventing its sedimentation. Research limitations/implications ‐ Researchers are encouraged to test the proposed method and enhance the anti-sedimentation further. Practical implications ‐ This method provides an idea to solve the problem of anti-sedimentation in luminescent paint containing long afterglow phosphors in practical production and application. Originality/value ‐ This paper introduced the in situ polymerisation to enhance the anti-sedimentation of acrylic resin containing long afterglow phosphors and it can be applied also to other inorganic powders.