Return to the home page
Return to the home page

 

Glowbug is a division of Capricorn Chemicals. Formed in 1986, we are suppliers of highly specialised pigments and colorants, to a wide array of different industries, from secure applications to cosmetics as well as more routine end uses such as paints, inks and plastics. Our products are distinguished from conventional pigments by their ability to exploit light energy rather than simply reflecting it.

Since our formation we have built up a considerable technical background to our core industries and are able to offer practical advice as well as guideline formulations in the use of our products.

We recognise that confidentiality is a concern for many of our customers, and guarantee our discretion in all cases.

Invisible Fluorescents

A range of white or nearly white pigments which can be incorporated into a varnish at very low levels to achieve a virtually invisible coating, which under excitation from a given light wavelength (Usually long Ultra Violet 365nm) will fluoresce in the visible area of the spectrum.

R Types - Inorganic Invisible Fluorescents

R types are extremely stable and will far outlive any coating plastic or ink system you care to use them in. They are crystalline however, and therefore can not be ground, so are not suitable for very thin films. They are extremely heat stable and will generally be able to withstand temperature in excess of 1000°C.

S Types - Organic Invisible Fluorescents

S types are brighter, more cost effective and grindable, so are suitable for most applications. They are less stable however, being much more susceptible to light degradation. Generally, a good UV absorbing over varnish will help to considerably prolong the life of the pigment.

Phosphors

Glowbug Phosphors are a range of phosphorescent pigments which will absorb daylight and re-emit it over a given period of time (glow in the dark). These products are crystalline, therefore can not be ground, making them unsuitable for very thin film applications. They come in a variety of lengths of afterglow.

Glowbug Phosphors can be categorised into 2 types:

  • 'Natural' H types
  • Coloured S type

H series phosphors

H type phosphors are generally a pale yellow/green colour, with a yellow/green afterglow (with a few exceptions). They have the most efficient afterglow characteristics, and generally last twice as long as their coloured equivalents.

H type phosphors are heat stable and will be able to withstand extrusion temperatures of most plastics. They are also suitable for use in a wide variety of paint and ink media.

Note: Careful formulation may be required when using some H type phosphors in water borne systems.

S series phosphors

S type phosphors are modified versions of the H types and are available in a range of bright pastel colours. The different types vary in heat stability and afterglow characteristics. Generally speaking, none of the S types should be taken above 220°C for any significant length of time.

S Series phosphors are suitable for use in a wide range of inks coatings and plastics. They are available in a range of six different shades.

Photochromes

P Series: A range of dyes with good solubility in a range of solvents. In solution they are colourless, but on contact with daylight they will become coloured. Typically they can be added to a formulation at less than 0.1% (total formulation weight) to good effect. A range of colours is available.

Glowbug is a division of Capricorn Chemicals

Head office address:
Capricorn Chemicals
Lisle Lane
Ely
Cambs CB7 4AS
United Kingdom

Tel:  +44 (0)1353 664974
Fax: +44 (0)1353 668801

sales@capricorn.co.uk

If you wish to contact us by e-mail please fill out our customer enquiry form