Structuring of phosphorescent pigments by two-step hot embossing for signaletic applications

Abstract The hot embossing process is carried out in order to complement the panel of methodologies associated with the utilization of phosphorescent pigments for photoluminescent safety systems. The basic material, in compound form, is a strontium aluminate doped with Eu 2 + and Dy 3 + ions. Materials with these specific properties are protected from mechanical contact as well as from interactions with the environment, particularly atmospheric humidity to which these pigments are sensitive. Transparent structures with phosphorescent small-sized cavities were manufactured by a two-step hot embossing process developed for this application. The novelty of this work lies in applying the hot-embossing process to this new class of materials for safety applications. The modelling associated with this application allows the description of the velocity distribution in the various parts of the mould during the hot embossing process. Moreover it explains the interest of using sequential steps for testing signaletic applications.