Translucent Persistent Luminescence Glass Matrix Composite Obtained by Pressureless Viscous Sintering

Translucent persistent luminescent glass matrix composites (PeL-GMCs) were successfully obtained for the first time using a pressureless viscous sintering method with silicate glass as the host material. Initially, persistent luminescence microparticles (PeL-MPs) of SrAl2O4: Eu2+; Dy3+ were prepared by microwave-assisted synthesis under a reducing atmosphere. To obtain persistent luminescent glass matrix composites, 1 wt. % of these particles were mixed with soda-lime-silicate glass beads and pressed into pellets. Subsequently, the disk-shaped samples were heat-treated through pressureless viscous sintering. Despite some material porosity, the PeL-GMCs exhibited translucency and prolonged persistent luminescence (~12 min). Additionally, we noted excellent compatibility between the PeL-MPs and the glass host, given the absence of impurity phases at the interface between the phosphor particles and the glass matrix. Furthermore, the afterglow intensity of the particles was maintained after the preparation of materials.