PHOSPHORESCENT GLASS

Phosphorescent glass, a material that was originally developed for safety purposes is now being used in architectural glazing. where a phosphorescent ceramic coating is tempered onto the glass creating shining and glowing effects onto the glass. Dispersed zinc sulfide is mixed as pigment with the ceramic coating and fused into the glass surface at a temperature of approximately 600C during the tempering process. The zinc sulfide is then activated by UV-radiation. The phosphorescent enamels that are fired into the glass make them longer lasting and also scratch resistant. 

The process is similar to that that is used in the production of the Fotolux glass, however it is applied only to the designed areas on the glass rather than the entire sheet.

Phosphorescent glass tiles. The pattern is 2D in the light and 3D in the dark.

Phosphorescent glazing is now being used in both interior and exterior design, allowing designers to create 'self-lighting' glass facades, and prints as well as being used for printed logos.  It also is being used to save energy costs on lighting.

SELF-ILLUMINATING EFFECT

This effect is created by either backlighting or flood lighting with invisible UV-black light which when turned off an absolute uniform light intensity is achieved. Only the coated area is activated and appears to be a self-illuminating body.6

'Ecloon', distributed by ECKELT GLAS GmbH, is one brand that has been using phosphorescent glass in both interior and exterior design, for free standing furniture decoration as well as for printed logos and exterior window decoration. 7

Phosphorescent glass tables "flora" by Ecloon.

 In my research so far I haven't been able to find any artists who have been using Phosphorescent glass in a design application. Similar to the Fotolux glass this technology would be very in an artistic context, opening up avenues for the creation of freestanding pieces, as it also self illuminating after being exposed to a light source. This process would also make a very interesting addition to screen printing on glass, by using the phosphorescent ceramic enamel rather than the glass enamel to create self illuminating prints.

6.Glass on web, 'Self illuminating architectural elements', http://www.glassonweb.com/articles/article/637/, (accessed October 25, 2010)

7. Ecloon, 'ECLOON- phosphorescent glass', http://www.eckelt.at/en/downloads/produkte/design/ecloon/ecloon_engl.pdf, (accessed October 24, 2010)