Glow-in-the-Dark Masterbatch for PP and PE Plastic Products

EXTRUTEX Glow-in-the-Dark Masterbatch is a luminescent color concentrate made using long-afterglow rare-earth aluminate phosphor powder and a polymer carrier. Designed for compatible PP and PE materials, it allows plastic manufacturers to produce products that absorb light and emit a visible glow in dark environments.

With a stated light-charging time of approximately 5–15 minutes and an afterglow duration of up to 8–12 hours under suitable conditions, this masterbatch is suitable for decorative plastic products, toys, handicrafts, stationery, warning signs and other luminescent applications.

The masterbatch uses a specially processed granular formulation to help distribute the luminescent pigment throughout the polymer. It is designed for injection molding and extrusion, offering manufacturers a convenient way to incorporate glow effects into plastic products.

Key Product Features

Long-Lasting Light Storage and Emission

The masterbatch contains luminescent pigment that absorbs energy from natural or artificial light. Once the external light source is removed, the stored energy is gradually released as visible light.

• Light absorption: Approximately 5–15 minutes of exposure is stated for charging.
• Afterglow: Up to approximately 8–12 hours under suitable conditions.
• Repeated use: The luminescent effect can be recharged through repeated light exposure.
• Initial brightness: Strong initial glow is intended for products requiring visible luminescence in darkness.
• Color options: Different phosphor colors can be selected according to the desired visual effect.

Actual brightness and glow duration depend on the light source, exposure time, pigment concentration, product thickness, base resin, ambient conditions and the surrounding level of darkness. The glow gradually becomes weaker as stored energy is released.

Available Luminescent Colors

Color customization is available according to the required appearance and application. Common luminescent color options include:

Color appearance under normal lighting may differ from the emitted glow color in darkness. Sample testing is recommended before mass production.

Applications

Injection-Molded Plastic Products

• Glow-in-the-dark plastic toys and toy components.
• Decorative plastic handicrafts and ornaments.
• Luminescent stationery and educational products.
• Decorative buttons, accessories and molded components.
• Customized promotional and novelty products.

Extruded Plastic Products

• Luminescent plastic profiles and strips.
• Decorative extrusion products.
• Glow-effect plastic rods and components.
• Selected PE and PP extruded products.

Other Potential Applications

• Decorative signs and visual indicators.
• Night-visible decorative components.
• Craft materials and creative DIY products.
• Customized plastic products requiring a glow effect.

Processing and Material Compatibility

The main product is intended for compatible polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) formulations. The correct carrier resin should be selected according to the base polymer and processing requirements.

ABS, PET and PLA applications may require different carrier formulations. Please confirm compatibility with EXTRUTEX before using this product in polymers other than the specified PP and PE grades.

Recommended Addition Ratio and Processing Temperature

Processing note: The 3%–8% addition ratio is a starting recommendation, not a universal setting. The optimal dosage depends on the required brightness, product thickness, resin grade and processing method. Confirm the maximum processing temperature with the product's technical data sheet before production.

Product Advantages

• Convenient granule form: Designed for straightforward feeding and mixing with compatible plastic resin.
• Reduced direct pigment handling: The masterbatch format helps avoid handling loose luminescent powder directly during routine production.
• Improved dispersion: Special granulation helps achieve more uniform distribution and reduce visible color spots or streaks.
• Repeated light charging: The luminescent pigment can be activated again through further light exposure.
• Flexible color development: Different glow colors and customized formulations can be discussed.
• Multiple manufacturing processes: Suitable for compatible injection molding and extrusion applications.

Safety and Environmental Information

The supplied product description identifies the luminescent pigment as rare-earth aluminate-based and states that it is non-radioactive and low-halogen. These characteristics should be confirmed against the relevant supplier declarations and independent test reports for the specific product batch.

For applications involving toys, stationery, children's products or household items, manufacturers should evaluate the complete finished article against the safety and regulatory requirements of the target market. A masterbatch description alone does not establish that the finished product complies with toy-safety, chemical-restriction or environmental standards.

RoHS compliance should only be claimed where supported by a valid test report or declaration covering the supplied formulation. Additional testing may be required depending on the intended application and destination market.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is glow-in-the-dark masterbatch?

Glow-in-the-dark masterbatch is a concentrated plastic additive containing luminescent pigment dispersed in a polymer carrier. The pigment absorbs energy from natural or artificial light and releases it gradually as visible light after the external light source is removed. It is used to create luminescent plastic products without having to add loose phosphor powder directly during every production run.

2. How long does this masterbatch glow?

The stated afterglow duration is approximately 8–12 hours under suitable conditions. The glow is generally strongest shortly after charging and gradually decreases over time. Actual duration depends on the light source, exposure time, pigment concentration, product thickness and surrounding darkness.

3. How long does it take to charge the glow pigment?

The stated light-charging time is approximately 5–15 minutes. Charging performance depends on the intensity and wavelength of the light source. Stronger suitable light exposure may provide a stronger initial glow than weak ambient lighting.

4. Can it be used for PP injection molding?

Yes. The PP-compatible formulation is intended for injection molding applications such as toys, handicrafts, decorative components and other molded plastic products. The correct PP grade, addition ratio and processing conditions should be confirmed before production.

5. Can it be used for PE extrusion?

Yes. The PE-compatible formulation is intended for suitable extrusion applications. The carrier must match the selected PE resin, and manufacturers should conduct a trial to evaluate feeding, dispersion, product appearance and luminescent performance.

6. What is the recommended addition ratio?

The stated recommended addition ratio is approximately 3%–8%. The ideal amount depends on the desired brightness, product thickness, resin type and processing conditions. A small production trial is recommended to establish the most suitable concentration.

7. Does the glow effect work repeatedly?

Yes. Long-afterglow phosphor can be recharged through repeated exposure to suitable light. The material does not need to be replaced after each glow cycle. However, the actual luminescent performance of the finished product should be evaluated over its intended service life.

8. Does the product contain radioactive materials?

The supplied product information describes the rare-earth aluminate luminescent pigment as non-radioactive. For formal purchasing, safety assessment or regulatory documentation, request the relevant supplier declaration or independent test report for the exact formulation.

9. Can it be used for ABS, PET or PLA?

Potential compatibility with ABS, PET and PLA should not be assumed from the PP and PE version. These polymers have different processing temperatures and compatibility requirements. A suitable carrier formulation and processing validation are necessary before use.

10. Can EXTRUTEX customize the glow color?

Color customization can be discussed for options such as yellow-green, blue-green, sky blue and orange-red. The final glow color, brightness and charging characteristics should be evaluated using samples and the intended production resin.

EXTRUTEX Glow Masterbatch – Clearance Stock

EXTRUTEX supplies plastic processing materials and manufacturing solutions for polymer extrusion, compounding and related applications. Our design, laboratory and R&D activities are based in Austria, while manufacturing is carried out in China.

This glow-in-the-dark masterbatch is offered as an in-stock clearance product, subject to remaining inventory. Please contact our team to confirm available colors, quantities, carrier type, technical documents and delivery arrangements.