Title of the Project: Blue Traffic Light
● What is Luminous Paint?
Luminous paint, also known as glowing paint, is a special type of paint that glows in the
dark. It contains a substance called phosphor, which emits light for a certain period after
being exposed to an energy source like ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This glowing effect
makes it ideal for use in areas where visibility is crucial, especially at night.
● How Does Luminescent Paint Work?
Luminescent paints work by absorbing energy from light sources, particularly UV light,
during the day. The absorbed energy is stored in the phosphor particles within the paint.
When it gets dark, the stored energy is slowly released as visible light, making the paint
glow. This glowing effect can last for several hours, providing better visibility in
low-light conditions.
● What is the Aim?
The aim of using luminous paint is to enhance the safety of nighttime travel for
pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. By taking advantage of the natural luminosity of glow
materials, this paint helps people see better in the dark, especially in areas where
visibility is low. As soon as night falls, the paint begins to glow, creating a luminous
guide that improves visibility and reduces the risk of accidents.
● How Can We Apply This in Real Life?
Luminous paint can be applied in various ways to improve road safety. For example:
○ Road Edges: Painting the edges of roads with luminous paint can help drivers see
the boundaries of the road, especially in hilly or mountainous areas where the risk
of accidents is higher.
○ Middle Lines: Applying luminous paint to the middle lines of roads can make
these lines more visible at night, helping to prevent head-on collisions.
○ Pedestrian Paths: Luminous paint on pedestrian paths can make these walkways
more visible, ensuring that pedestrians can safely navigate in low-light conditions.
● What is Phosphorescent Paint and How is it Used on Roads?
Phosphorescent paint, often referred to as "glow-in-the-dark" paint, is made from
phosphors like silver-activated zinc sulfide or doped strontium aluminate. This paint
typically glows in a pale green to greenish-blue color. Unlike fluorescent paint, which
only glows when exposed to UV light, phosphorescent paint continues to emit light long
after the light source is removed. The glow can last up to 12 hours, gradually fading over
time, making it ideal for road markings that need to remain visible throughout the night.
● Cost of Phosphorescent Glowing Paint for Roads
The cost of phosphorescent glowing paint for roads can be around ₹5,800 per liter, as
seen with products like Indra Technologies IG-3 Radium Paint. However, for smaller
projects or models, only a small amount of paint would be required, making the cost
more manageable.
This project aims to demonstrate how luminous paints can be used to improve road safety by
providing better visibility at night, potentially reducing accidents and saving lives.